Children of inspirational mum pledge to fundraise for her to get a prosthetic leg following life-saving amputation

A SINGLE mum was required to have part of her right leg amputated after being diagnosed with a rare cancer. Now her children have started a fundraiser to get her a new leg.

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THE children of a Collaroy woman who had her leg amputated after doctors discovered she had a rare life-threatening cancer in her foot are appealing for help to buy her a prosthetic one so she can walk again.

Single mum Robyn Oakley, 58, was diagnosed with fibroblastic sarcoma just before Christmas and told she needed to have an immediate amputation or she would be dead within weeks.

Daughter Charlotte, 16, who is behind the $25,000 fundraising campaign, along with her brothers Chris, 23 and Zander, 24, said her mum was an “inspiration”.

Robyn with daughter Charlotte Oakley. Picture: Martin Lange

Mum’s cancer and amputation was such a shock,” said Charlotte, who is a pupil at Narrabeen Sports High.

“She really deserves help, she’s always helping others.”

Ms Oakley, a life coach, suffered a number of issues with her leg before the amputation including contracting polio as a child, which severely weakened it.

Then six years ago she had a serious fall, breaking her leg in three places, resulting in a number of operations where she had a metal rod inserted and was in constant pain.

After both incidents she had to learn how to walk again.

She told the Manly Daily she was determined to do it for a third time.

And, not only that, she wants to swim again — and perhaps even run.

“I don’t want to live the rest of my life in a wheelchair,” she said.

“I need this new leg so I can get my life back.

“I’ve never run in my life because of the polio.

“It’s a big dream of mine. Perhaps a prosthetic leg will make this dream come true.”

Robyn Oakley had to be amputated after a rare tumour was discovered in her foot.

Doctors have told her even walking may be an issue, because of her weakened polio leg.

But Ms Oakley said she was a very determined person.

To give her a chance she needs a specialised prosthetic limb, generally used by soldiers who have lost their legs above the knee. Her leg was taken off below the knee but she needs the extra support this prosthetic gives, because of her weakened polio leg.

Like all amputees, for the first year, she will need several legs, as her stump finishes healing and adjusts to a prosthetic limb.

Most of the money for the first two legs will be paid for by the government, although she will have a $2-3,000 gap for each one.

When she is ready to be fitted with her final leg, she will have to pay the full amount herself if it’s not a standard leg and any other legs she wants for use in the water are on top.

Her daughter Charlotte said her mum’s health issues had never affected her “amazing” positive attitude to life.

“I don’t doubt mum will walk again,” she said.

“Mum has never let these things defeat her, while also making sure her three kids are fed and loved.

“When she woke up after the amputation the first thing she said was, “Have you all eaten?”.

“She thinks about everyone else first. I really can’t put into words how amazing and inspiring she is.”

To donate go to: www.mycause.com.au/page/116360/a-leg-for-mum