Community Thanks Makes Great Difference

In April this year Michelle Wardrope fell over on her driveway, resulting in her needing six stitches for the gash on her knee.

At the time, she had no idea this small fall was the start of an event that would nearly see her lose her life.

After the fall she travelled to hospital for stitches, however, she returned to hospital shortly after waking in her sleep with immense pain in her leg. Michelle’s health quickly deteriorated and was told she had contracted a soil-borne bacterial infection and only had a 2% chance of survival.

In less than 72 hours, the majority of Michelle's leg had to be removed, and eventually, the amputation extended further, removing her leg from the hip down.

Michelle had contracted a soil-borne bacterial infection from runoff streaming down the hill from the vegetation above their house and onto the driveway, where she had cut her leg.

This type of infection is extremely rare and extremely life-threatening, with doctors informing her that most people do not survive the first 48 hours.

Michelle knows she was very lucky to survive, but the journey was not over there, she has had to get accustomed to life with only one leg.

For the past few months, she has also had to live with a stoma, something she found uncomfortable.

Fortunately, this week the stoma was reversed representing one more step to the slow recovery to a ‘new normal’ for Michelle and her family.

Instead of self-pity, however, Michelle has demonstrated immense gratitude throughout the journey and most of this has been directed to the local community who she says has buoyed her recovery.

After coming out of the recent operation she offered her thanks again, proving how each well wish is a Good Deed in a small highly connected community like ours.

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