DEVOTED pupils of a teacher recovering from a condition nicknamed ‘suicide disease’ have raised thousands to help her walk again and get her life back.
Children who were taught by Amy Pohl at Rugby Free Primary School took on a military mud run and raised a staggering £2,000 towards her treatment.
Amy is six months into her recovery programme at STEPS rehabilitation in Sheffield.
Amy, with beloved dog Bessler, is making steady progress in her recovery programme at STEPS rehabilitation in Sheffield.
The teacher developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – recognised to be more severe than childbirth or the amputation of a digit, causing some sufferers to take their own lives – in December 2017, as a result of a failed cannula insertion in her left hand.
She lost the use of her left arm, and further complications caused her to lose the use of her legs.
She is making steady progress in her recovery – and with her treatment costing £5,000 a week, the pupils who hope to be taught by her again stepped up to help.
A group of children who hope to be taught by Amy again took part in a Mini Military Mud Run at The Onley Equestrian Centre, organised by their parents.
All for the love of their teacher!
Alongside other school fund-raising initiatives such as non-uniform days, tombolas and raffles, they have helped nudge Amy’s rehabilitation fund to within £3,500 of the target of £40,000.
Amy’s dad David said it was an amazing achievement.
He said: “Amy had taught many of the children who took part, and the parents all know Amy and wanted to do everything that they could to support her.
“The children were in her Reception class, so she would have been the first teacher they had. Amy has left a very positive impression on both them and their parents!”
“She hopes to be fit enough to return to her teaching post, and the children hope to be taught by her again one day in the future – of which I am confident.
“I know it would mean so much to them to receive some public recognition for their tremendous work.”
David said Amy’s ongoing recovery was only possible thanks to donations.
He said: “It is only the tremendous support and generosity of so many people that allows her to receive the very best medical and psychological support that there is.
“Some funds have already been used to open doors for Amy to see one of the country’s best orthopedic surgeons. With his help, Amy’s left hand may still be saved.”
He said Amy was now in a position to start using the hydrotherapy pool at STEPS – which he described as ‘major progress’.
And Amy has also gone on her first family outing in over a year.
“Amy’s mum Jo and I managed to take her out to the local pub,” said David. “She enjoyed a nice meal and even managed to have a cocktail – I’m sure her physio went really well after that!
“She is making really good progress, and starting to use her left arm and hand too.
“We really are getting close to that target amount. Please continue to donate!”
Visit Amy’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/307136453267580 for updates on her progress. Visit www.helpamy.co.uk/events for news of events to raise funds for Amy. And visit www.help-amy.co.uk to donate.
