A WOMAN whose legs were at risk of amputation said she was “eternally grateful” to the surgeon who saved them.

Jamie Williams said she feared she would be left wheelchair-bound as a teenager after a bone deformity condition began to worsen.

The 23-year-old said thanks to the care of consultant orthopaedic surgeon Bob Sharp, she has continued to live life to the full, and has now nominated him for our Hospital Heroes award.

Miss Williams, a ward clerk on the children’s surgical ward at the Oxford Children’s Hospital, said: “I would not have the kind of life I do if it was not for him.

“His continued care has let me lead a normal life that otherwise may not have been possible. His skills allowed me to remain mobile and enabled me to continue doing the job I love.”

Miss Williams was diagnosed with spina bifida at the age of two and met Mr Sharp when she came under his care at 16.

She said the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre foot and ankle consultant has been by her side during the 16 operations she has needed since. They have included having some of her toes amputated.

The Headington resident said she developed Charcot Foot, which weakens bone and causes deformities in the feet and ankles, at about 14.

In November 2010, bone infections forced her to have an operation to prevent her having to have her legs amputated.

The operation left Miss Williams unable to walk for 10 months while she recovered .

But she said Mr Sharp’s “easy approachable manner”, coupled with his honesty and frequent phone calls to check on her, helped her regain confidence she lost as a teenager battling the conditions.

Miss Williams added: “Time and again he has gone beyond what you would expect of a medical professional to provide me with exceptional care.

“I have had some amazing doctors along the way but none of them have had the ability to inspire such total confidence in me as Mr Sharp does and I feel extremely lucky to have him looking after me.”

Mr Sharp said: “I am both delighted and honoured to receive this nomination from Jamie.

“It represents the efforts of the whole team that we give patients the best care and I’m very touched to have been acknowledged in this way.”