Hairdresser is forced to have her leg amputated after a routine operation on her foot developed a deadly infection

Vicky Smith, from Sunderland, was 21 when she had a simple procedure to correct a high arch in her left foot. 


She developed a deadly infection in the wound (inset) leaving doctors no choice but to operate to remove part of her leg. She now struggles to get around without the help of a wheelchair (left) and says the 'minor procedure' has changed her life forever. Determined not to be beaten by it, she has set up a support group to help others whose lives have been changed. She said: 'My confidence hit rock bottom. I used to cover my stump with blankets or cushions or whatever I could. But things have improved a lot since then. It doesn't have to be the end of the world'.