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Toddler filmed receiving first prosthetic after having leg amputated


A toddler has been filmed receiving her first prosthetic leg after her parents chose to amputate her limb.

Marnie Allen-Tomlinson, 3, from Derby, north west UK, had a lower leg amputation at London’s Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital on October 11.

The little girl suffers from pseudarthrosis, a condition that leaves her prone to breakages. She broke her leg at 14-months-old and surgery to fuse the bone back together failed to work.

After two months recovering and having her first fittings on November 29, Marnie was given a custom made brightly coloured prosthetic on December 6.

Her parents Samera Tomlinson, 31, and David Allen, 27, watched as Marnie was fitted with her prosthetic leg.

Her mother decided to film the emotional moment so they could look back on their journey.

Prosthetic leg for little girl: Marnie Allen-Tomlinson (pictured) suffers from pseudarthrosis, a condition that leaves her prone to breakages.
Marnie Allen-Tomlinson (pictured) suffers from pseudarthrosis, a condition that leaves her prone to breakages. Source: Caters

“She was scared about having her prosthetic fitted as she was worried it would be painful,” health care worker Samera said.

“Marnie hasn’t walked yet on her prosthetic as she thinks is going to hurt her scar so we are now having to ease her into it daily.”

The adorable girl – who also has neurofibromatosis type 1, a genetic condition which can cause bone deformities and tumours growing along nerves – is easing into her new life.

“We are doing it at Marnie’s pace. It’s going to be a long process but we will get there,” Samera said.

“Because Marnie has been used to hopping about we have now got to teach her to walk on both legs.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her and we’re looking forward to the future now.”

Prosthetic leg for young girl: Marnie Allen-Tomlinson, 3, (pictured) was fitted with a prosthetic leg.
Marnie Allen-Tomlinson, 3, (pictured) was fitted with a prosthetic leg. Source: Caters

Prior to the amputation, Marnie spent two years wearing a splint to support her injured leg.

“We have been through a lot in the past few months but we are so relieved Marnie now has her new leg now,” Samera said.

“She can take a few aided steps and is now relatively pain free.

“We will have to make sure she’s extra careful though as any falls could cause other bones to break due to the Neurofibromatosis.”

Marnie’s mother remains optimistic about the future.

“Whilst the thought of amputating your child’s leg is initially shocking we hear so many success stories of children thriving after amputation as they are no longer held back,” Samera said.