Brave mum (31) has arm amputated

The fiancee of a former Burnley soldier, who was left paralysed when a routine operation went wrong, has had to have her right arm amputated after an infection left her in unbearable pain.
Lisa Holden and Kirk Mount (s)Lisa Holden and Kirk Mount (s)
Lisa Holden and Kirk Mount (s)

Lisa Holden (31) suffers from a vascular malformation called AVM, which means the veins and arteries do not connect properly, causing intense pain and ulcers.

The mum-of-one, who is engaged to Kirk Mount (28), had planned to have her arm operated on later this year after she was plagued by recurrent infections.

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But, after a particularly severe case, plastic surgeons at the Royal Preston Hospital removed it as an emergency two weeks ago.

Lisa, of Barrowford, said Kirk, who, earlier this year, climbed Pendle Hill dragging his wheelchair behind him, had been a tower of strength since the operation and was helping her adapt.

“He said he’s really proud of me. I’ve suffered with vascular malformation for more than 20 years and every now and again I would get a flare-up of ulcers and infections.

“In October 2014 it started getting a lot worse and I made the decision to have the arm amputated. I’ve seen doctors all over the place and the plastic surgeon agreed to do it for me.

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“Kirk has been amazing, talking me through it all. With everything he’s gone through he knows what it’s like. He’s made me go out and see people and try to carry on as normal.

“My daughter Millie (9) has been great too. She’s just glad to have me home. The operation has made a massive difference. I’ve gone from being in excruciating pain to having just an ache or the odd twinge.”

Lisa is planning to move in with Kirk later this year and will be supporting him when he rides from John O’Groats to Land’s End in his wheelchair in August.

To sponsor Kirk visit www.gofundme.com/thelastpush.