'My amputated leg is growing back', says Huncoat woman

8:30am Tuesday 8th November 2011 in Huncoat Photograph of the Author By Neil Docking, Reporter

HOUSEBOUND Mandy Sellars is undergoing physiotherapy in a bid to get back on her feet HOUSEBOUND Mandy Sellars is undergoing physiotherapy in a bid to get back on her feet

A WOMAN who had one of her giant legs amputated because of a rare condition has said that the limb is now growing back at an alarming rate.

Mandy Sellars suffers from Proteus syndrome, the same condition thought to have affected the ‘Elephant Man’ Joseph Merrick.

The 36-year-old, of Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, has a normal sized body but massive feet and legs, which at their height weighed more than five stone each.

Mandy said: “I could be the only person in the world with what I’ve got, because the doctors have never seen anybody else with the exact same changes I have in my body.

“Since the operation my leg has just kept on growing and I kind of had an idea that it would, but the operation was something that had to be done.

“I hoped it would stabilise my condition but I’ve put three stone on my leg in 18 months. The stump got so heavy that it broke my prosthetic leg.”

In 1995 Mandy developed cellulitis, an ongoing bacterial infection in her left foot, which turned septic last year.

Surgeons at Liverpool Royal Hospital agreed to amputate her left leg from the knee down to save her life in January 2010, and this summer she appeared in a Channel 5 documentary called Losing One of My Giant Legs, which followed her recovery.

But after the operation the leg began ballooning again width ways - and it now weighs three stone and has a circumference of one metre.

Formerly an RSPCA volunteer, Mandy is undergoing two sessions of physiotherapy a week in a bid to get back on her feet and back to work.

She said: “I’m housebound at the moment because I can only get in my car when somebody helps me and it’s very hard work having to push myself around in a wheelchair.

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“Hopefully at some point I will be walking on the leg again, but because of these problems it’s taking a lot longer than I thought it would.

“My other leg is not too bad, it’s grown a bit but it is okay.

“It’s such a shame because I enjoyed volunteering and it’s not nice not being able to get out and be around people.”

Comments (10)

8:54am Tue 8 Nov 11

happycyclist says...

I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you. happycyclist

10:12am Tue 8 Nov 11

QuarryGang78 says...

happycyclist wrote:
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.
[quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.[/p][/quote]I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society. QuarryGang78

10:23am Tue 8 Nov 11

happycyclist says...

QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.
Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?
[quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.[/p][/quote]I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.[/p][/quote]Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing? happycyclist

11:27am Tue 8 Nov 11

QuarryGang78 says...

happycyclist wrote:
QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.
Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?
Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen.

As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'.

If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well.

However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around.

I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.
[quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.[/p][/quote]I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.[/p][/quote]Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?[/p][/quote]Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen. As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'. If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well. However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around. I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article. QuarryGang78

12:48pm Tue 8 Nov 11

bacupbabe says...

QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.
Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?
Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen.

As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'.

If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well.

However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around.

I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.
I know Mandy really well she was brought up near me and is friends with my daughter. She is an amazing wonderful person and agrees to have people film her to get publicity for the condition and hope it makes people look again at someone with disability as a person and not an object. I think Mandy would say that she has had amazing treatment from the NHS and doesn't need to rely on a TV programme maker to fund her treatment. In fact she was so grateful for the treatment she received at Accrington Victoria that she wheeled a sponsored mile round the Trafford Centre in Manchester to raise funds for the rehabilitation centre. Good luck to you Mandy, you are truly an inspiration.
[quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.[/p][/quote]I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.[/p][/quote]Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?[/p][/quote]Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen. As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'. If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well. However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around. I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.[/p][/quote]I know Mandy really well she was brought up near me and is friends with my daughter. She is an amazing wonderful person and agrees to have people film her to get publicity for the condition and hope it makes people look again at someone with disability as a person and not an object. I think Mandy would say that she has had amazing treatment from the NHS and doesn't need to rely on a TV programme maker to fund her treatment. In fact she was so grateful for the treatment she received at Accrington Victoria that she wheeled a sponsored mile round the Trafford Centre in Manchester to raise funds for the rehabilitation centre. Good luck to you Mandy, you are truly an inspiration. bacupbabe

3:34pm Tue 8 Nov 11

Bredrin says...

much love Mandy...wish you all the best x x
much love Mandy...wish you all the best x x Bredrin

3:48pm Tue 8 Nov 11

Smuggers68 says...

Mandy.. I love your positive outlook and wish you nothing but goodness in your life.. You have a wicked personality...Peace, love and lights xxx
Mandy.. I love your positive outlook and wish you nothing but goodness in your life.. You have a wicked personality...Peace, love and lights xxx Smuggers68

4:56pm Tue 8 Nov 11

QuarryGang78 says...

bacupbabe wrote:
QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.
Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?
Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen.

As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'.

If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well.

However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around.

I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.
I know Mandy really well she was brought up near me and is friends with my daughter. She is an amazing wonderful person and agrees to have people film her to get publicity for the condition and hope it makes people look again at someone with disability as a person and not an object. I think Mandy would say that she has had amazing treatment from the NHS and doesn't need to rely on a TV programme maker to fund her treatment. In fact she was so grateful for the treatment she received at Accrington Victoria that she wheeled a sponsored mile round the Trafford Centre in Manchester to raise funds for the rehabilitation centre. Good luck to you Mandy, you are truly an inspiration.
It was the LET who compared Mandy's case to Joseph Merricks. Which only makes me realise that some people find others suffering entertaining for the programme makers to make the programme. which means the only thing that has change is that they have taken away the mobile hut that Mr Merrick was kept in and exhibited from and replaced it with a tv screen.'Morally thinking'..
[quote][p][bold]bacupbabe[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.[/p][/quote]I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.[/p][/quote]Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?[/p][/quote]Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen. As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'. If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well. However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around. I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.[/p][/quote]I know Mandy really well she was brought up near me and is friends with my daughter. She is an amazing wonderful person and agrees to have people film her to get publicity for the condition and hope it makes people look again at someone with disability as a person and not an object. I think Mandy would say that she has had amazing treatment from the NHS and doesn't need to rely on a TV programme maker to fund her treatment. In fact she was so grateful for the treatment she received at Accrington Victoria that she wheeled a sponsored mile round the Trafford Centre in Manchester to raise funds for the rehabilitation centre. Good luck to you Mandy, you are truly an inspiration.[/p][/quote]It was the LET who compared Mandy's case to Joseph Merricks. Which only makes me realise that some people find others suffering entertaining for the programme makers to make the programme. which means the only thing that has change is that they have taken away the mobile hut that Mr Merrick was kept in and exhibited from and replaced it with a tv screen.'Morally thinking'.. QuarryGang78

1:07pm Wed 9 Nov 11

Seneca says...

QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
QuarryGang78 wrote:
happycyclist wrote:
I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life.
You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.
I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.
Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?
Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen.

As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'.

If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well.

However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around.

I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.
I don't think Mandy was exploited by the TV production company at all. It was an educational insight into an illness so rare that one of the only other examples for comparison was Joseph Merrick.

The remarkable strength of Mandy's resolve to lead a full life was amazing to say the least. A far braver and stronger person than I.

That kyle idiot, referring to his 'guests' as juvenile and immature is an admission of blatant 'exploitation' by programme production companies.

The two do not compare, Mandy is strong of mind and I am sure would have halted the production if she felt exploited in anyway. To suggest Mandy was exploited shows a lack of respect in my humble opinion.
[quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]QuarryGang78[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]happycyclist[/bold] wrote: I saw the programme about Mandy Sellars and was moved by her fortitude and her attitude to life. You're an inspiration, Mandy, and I hope things get better for you.[/p][/quote]I just hope the television programme that used Mandy's condition to entertain the ones who watched it are now getting her the best treatment possible anywhere in civilised society.[/p][/quote]Why should it be up to the TV production company? Isn't that what the NHS is supposed to be doing?[/p][/quote]Its also known as exploitation to use a persons illness to entertain numpty empty heads who have no life of there own infact Joseph Merrick is mentioned in the article which as got to be one of the most upsetting cases of exploitation ever put on the big screen. As a race we hav'nt changed very much in the past 200yrs 'still another persons suffering is entertainment to some sad people'. If the NHS can now give Mandy the best treatment available and a bed is available for her then i wish her well. However now that the show as been aired and the viewing figures have peaked for that show 'it would be nice' (not their duty)for them to share some of the vast amounts of money that the programme will have made from the show and offer Mandy the best treatment around. I am not in a position to know if the NHS are doing what they are supposed to do for Mandy only the facts of this article.[/p][/quote]I don't think Mandy was exploited by the TV production company at all. It was an educational insight into an illness so rare that one of the only other examples for comparison was Joseph Merrick. The remarkable strength of Mandy's resolve to lead a full life was amazing to say the least. A far braver and stronger person than I. That kyle idiot, referring to his 'guests' as juvenile and immature is an admission of blatant 'exploitation' by programme production companies. The two do not compare, Mandy is strong of mind and I am sure would have halted the production if she felt exploited in anyway. To suggest Mandy was exploited shows a lack of respect in my humble opinion. Seneca

4:45pm Wed 9 Nov 11

Heretical says...

I had the privilege of meeting and seeing Mandy when she was a teenager at school. (I was a student nurse doing a day's experience and I wish I could have spent more time at that school) I say seeing because she was playing football (with a huge ball type thing) with the other children and having a great time...as were they all.

Much respect to you Mandy...I've seen your programmes down the years (and was so pleased to see how you were) and you are inspirational....tru
ly.
I had the privilege of meeting and seeing Mandy when she was a teenager at school. (I was a student nurse doing a day's experience and I wish I could have spent more time at that school) I say seeing because she was playing football (with a huge ball type thing) with the other children and having a great time...as were they all. Much respect to you Mandy...I've seen your programmes down the years (and was so pleased to see how you were) and you are inspirational....tru ly. Heretical

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