FUNDRAISING events will take place this weekend to help a Corringham woman who lost a leg as a result of deep vein thrombosis and what her family believe were unnecessary delays in diagnose and treatment that could have spared her the trauma of amputation.

Sharon Marie Richards, 54, of Berkley Hill, Corringham, went through a traumatic series of events this year and as she attempts to recover from the loss of her leg, the local community and her family is rallying round to help.

The community's support is vital as Sharon has struggled to get help and support as technically she is still working and her husband is also in employment.

The fundraisers will take place at the East Thurrock Community Association on Corringham Road, where popular grandma Sharon has worked for 16 years.

During the day, from 11am to 3pm an Autumn Fete featuring a number of fundraising stalls (and bouncy castle if the weather permits) will take place at the association's clubhouse and in the evening there will be 'Dance Through the Decades' event from 6.30pm. This will include a buffet, raffle and entertainment.

Tickets for adults are £10, children (5-18) £3.50, and children under 5 are free. They are available in advance, though a few walk0-ins will be available on the night, from and can be obtained from Sharon's daughter, Kirsty Muncey who can be called or messaged on 07949636836. Or you can contact her via her Facebook page.

Kirsty has recalled the traumatic sequence of events – and what she believes are serious failing by Basildon Hospital in the first instance and a lack of support from Thurrock Council in the aftermath.

She says: "On 24 February this year my mum was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis in her right leg, confirmed via a scan at Orsett Hospital. She had previously been prescribed with Rivaoxiban by the GP prior to her scan so was advised to continue this to solve the issue.

"On Good Friday her first issue with her foot presented. She was in pain and was unable to walk properly. She attended the out of hours doctors at Basildon Hospital and was told that it was likely to be because of the lack of blood flow due to her thrombosis but 'this should pass'.

"After this my mum attended her GP surgery on several occasions regarding her foot as it was swelling, painful and changing in colour occasionally. At first her GP didn't seem to be concerned but sent her for an x-ray and eventually referred her for an orthopaedic assessment and a scan.

"During the same period she attended the A&E department at Basildon Hospital on a few occasions. She was x-rayed and then referred back to her GP.

"Even though at this time she was in a great deal of pain and her foot was red/purple in colour. My mum had not received any help despite her numerous trips to her GP surgery and local A&E. It finally got to the point where the pain was becoming unbearable and she requested to see her GP before going on holiday. On this instance my mum was prescribed pain medication and advised if things got any worse to attend A&E local to where she was staying.

"While on holiday in Wales visiting family the pain, swelling and colouration of her foot became so severe that she attend the local A&E. On arrival my mum's foot was scanned immediately and it was discovered that she had a blocked artery.

"The hospital did attempt an operation to save her leg, but she was told that this would probably be unlikely to work as the blockage should of been noticed much earlier. The operation was unsuccessful and she then had to have an amputation on the 24 June 2021 above her knee.

"Upon her return home there was a letter for a scan appointment for two weeks later. I believe that if the A&E department had scanned her when she attended or if the hospital had taken her complaints more seriously this situation could have been avoided.

"After waiting eight weeks the occupational therapist visited my mum's home to see the adaptions she would require. After the assessment of her home it quickly became apparent that they would not be able to provide my mum with a grant to make the necessary adaptions as my dad is in full time employment, and although not currently at work my mum is employed.

"She was told that she would have to pay for the changes herself. We believe that this is an injustice in the current system and not at all fair.

"All in all we feel as though we have been completely let down not only by the hospital but by the local council also. Unfortunately they do not have this kind of funds available and therefore I have set up a fund in hope that any small donation that people can contribute will help on our target to get the adaptions required to help provide some independence to my mum."

Anthony Schirn, associate director of nursing for Mid and South Essex Foundation NHS which runs Basildon Hospital, said: "Our priority is to make sure every patient is safe and that their individual care and health needs are met while in our care. We would encourage Sharon and her family to contact us directly so that we can provide support and fully investigate their concerns."

Kirsty has pointed out that she and her family have already done as Mr Schirn suggested and contacted the hospital through its patient liaison service but says their enquiries and questions have have been blanked.

Thurrock Council said it could not discuss the case but added: "The grant referred to here is the Disabled Facilities Grant which is means-tested on criteria set out by the government.

"Although we cannot talk about individual cases a visit from an Occupational Therapist is the first stage in the application process.

"A full application for a grant takes place if an occupational therapist has checked the applicant's needs and made a referral to the adaptations service.

"As part of that application process a test of resources must be carried out in order to assess the amount, if any, that the applicant must contribute towards the cost of eligible works.

"Eligibility for the grant is set in statue, and information in respect of this and the test of financial resources is detailed in The Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and in The Housing Renewal Grants Regulations 1996."

Kirsty, whose mum will be celebrating her 55th birthday next week, says: "I think the system is wrong too and if anything like this happened to myself or my husband we would be in the exact same position.

"And so would so many other people who happen to be unfortunate enough to be working and earning – even if it's nowhere near enough to cover the cost of adaptions and don't forget, for a long period of time you will not be able to work because of the injury.

"It seems so wrong but we are so pleased that so many kind local people are prepared to help my mum and we look forward to a special day on Saturday."

As well as Saturday's events, a fundraising page has been set up to help Sharon. You can donate to it via this link.