RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has met with local campaigners who have called on him to urge the Government to put an end to avoidable diabetes-related amputations.

The figures, which have reached an all-time high in England, were calculated using new Public Health England data and show the annual number of amputations in England is now more than 7,000.

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This is a rise of more than seven amputations a week compared to the previous figures.

It is thought that with good diabetes care and footcare, up to 80 per cent of these amputations could be avoided.

Susan Riley and Gordon Dixon, who both have Type 2 diabetes, and Mr Evans attended an event held by Diabetes UK at Westminster, where they saw 135 shoes on display, which represented the number of amputations each week in England.

Celebrities donated signed shoes for the Diabetes UK’s 135 event, including ex-England footballer Gary Mabbutt, comedian Joe Pasquale, former Spice Girl Mel C and Sky news presenter Stephen Dixon.

Susan said: “ I was delighted to meet with Mr Evans, as it gave me the chance to raise my concern about the increasing number of diabetes-related amputations. I have lived with diabetes for over nine years and the condition has had a huge impact on my life.

“Managing diabetes can be a daily struggle and far too many people with the condition go on to develop devastating health complications, such as amputations.”

The figures show that despite a big focus on preventing these amputations, the rate for major and minor amputations combined in people with diabetes has stayed the same.

With the sharp increase in the number of people with diabetes in the past 20 years, the number of diabetes-related amputations is rising.

Mr Evans said: “Being at the 135 event highlighted for me the human tragedy behind these stark statistics.

“I met with people who have had diabetes-related amputations and listened to their stories.

“I will now be going back to my constituency and talking to health leaders about what needs to be done to help prevent avoidable amputations and also encouraging the Government to do more to tackle this serious issue.”

Barbara Young, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: “We are pleased to have Nigel Evans’ support on this vital issue. The fact that the total number of amputations is continuing to rise is a huge concern .”