A WOMAN who came close to having her leg amputated after developing a severe infection is taking part in a charity walk.

Wendy Hackett, 43, from Clockface, is determined to continue doing the Race for Life event every year with her mum, just as she did before being struck with a cellulitis infection three years ago.

The mother-of-two, who lives in Clockface Road, is planning to complete the Race for Life at Haydock Park this Sunday (July 12) using her walking frame. She first tried the 5k course using the frame last year.

"It took me four times longer than it normally would," Wendy said, "But I did it. I want to be able to do the things I did before."

In 2012, Wendy woke in the middle of the night with what she initially thought was cramp - but by 6am she was in Whiston Hospital, where she was kept, bed-ridden for a month.

The former social worker said: "I woke up with the worst pain you can imagine. It wouldn't stop.

"At hospital they firstly thought it was deep vein thrombosis but then found it was cellulitis.

"I was there for a month and the doctors said they would have to amputate if they couldn't bring the infection under control. I had blisters like mangoes on my left leg.

"It left irreparable nerve damage. I was in a wheelchair for 16 months and it stopped me working."

Wendy was told she may always be in the wheelchair, but, she says, she moved onto a walking frame and has recently started using crutches.

She said: "I've been doing the Race for Life with my mum for years - it's a bit of quality mother and daughter time - and it raises money for such a good cause - Cancer Research UK. Everyone has been affected by cancer.

"Every year, we finish it and sign straight up for the next one. I've had to miss one but I'm determined to get my life back."

Wendy, who has just finished a set of rehabilitation sessions at the Walton Centre, is hoping to start work voluntarily as a stepping stone to getting back to work.

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/wendyhackett6/ or text a donation to 70070 starting the text 'WENN52' and the donation amount.

Any organisations or businesses interested in sponsoring Wendy can call Phil Knowles on 07555 615900.