A team at a hospital in Oxford successfully saved a patient's leg - despite being told it needed amputating.

Kelly Lewis was admitted to the John Radcliffe Hospital for a below-knee amputation due to a severe bone infection worsened by diabetes.

The infection stemmed from a fractured ankle, which she could not feel for three weeks because of her neuropathic condition.

She was admitted to a local hospital after being diagnosed with sepsis and, once stabilised, was transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital for the amputation.

However, the team at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) decided to attempt to save Kelly's leg.

This was a 'huge surprise' and 'nothing short of a miracle' for Mrs Lewis.

She was transferred to the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, where she was informed about the complications of the procedure, including a low possibility of success and a long, difficult recovery.

Despite this, the prospect of saving her leg motivated her to proceed.

The operation was a success, and after a 12-hour operation and further reconstructive surgery, she is now on the road to recovery.

Mrs Lewis said: "By the time I was admitted to the JR, I had accepted that I was going to lose my leg and that it would change my life.

"I cannot express in words how exhilarated I was when I heard that there was a chance, albeit very small, to save my leg."

She praised the care she received, saying: "I was impressed and touched by the care and kindness everyone showed me.

"I am nothing but grateful to all the teams and individuals who contributed to the care I received.

"Experiences like this restore your faith in healthcare."

David Jones, a diabetes specialist nurse at OUH, said: "With Kelly, due to her invasive infection and urgent need of surgery, we had to work quickly to get her fit for the surgery.

"Kelly was really engaged in her journey."

Adrian Kendal, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at OUH, said: "Kelly had severe life and limb threatening infection of her lower leg, with massive soft tissue loss that exposed her bone.

"She was on the edge of what we could technically cure and reconstruct.

"In most places, her only option would have been a below knee amputation."

Alex Ramsden, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at OUH, said: "Working in collaboration with a wider team of specialists allowed the challenging reconstruction of the devastating wounds on Kelly's leg.

"It is rewarding for our teams and trainees to help motivated patients overcome huge challenges and get them back on their feet again."

Mrs Lewis' husband Rikki said: "The care Kelly received at OUH has been second to none.

"I am grateful to everyone involved for saving my wife's leg – they have performed nothing short of a miracle."