A WOMAN whose foot was amputated after she was hit by a car has spoken out after the driver was fined and given a six-month driving ban.

Mandy Theakston, from Darlington, has had her life turned upside down since the crash in the town’s North Road last October.

The 55-year-old grandmother was hit by a car driven by Declan Naisbitt, who was subsequently charged for driving without due care and attention.

Ms Theakston spent seven weeks at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, following the crash, which left her with multiple injuries, including to her left foot and ankle, which had to be amputated five days later.

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She now lives with her daughter Millie Wheelhouse, who has become her full time carer, and is trying to find a bungalow to live in.

She said: “I’ve lost my independence. I can manage to stand and go to the bathroom but I need the wheelchair. I’m having to give up my home because of the stairs so I’m looking for a bungalow

“It’s killing me having to have carers come in and help with everything.”

The Northern Echo:

She was hit by a car at about 7.30pm on October 13, on North Road near the Denmark Street junctions.

After it happened, Naisbitt, of Eamont Drive, Darlington, was charged with driving without due care and attention.

The 20-year-old appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court last month.

He pleaded guilty and was banned from driving for six months and was fined £140. He was also given costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £34.

“I sat and cried when I got the call about it,” said Ms Theakston.

Ms Wheelhouse, 30, added: “We were upset. It’s been such a drastic change, not just to her life but to mine as well.

"She can’t live her life to how she was but he can live his life without any suffering. He’s not in any pain or dealing with any of this. He can just live his life.”

The Northern Echo:

She added: “I just wish more people would be careful on that road. People speed up and down and so many people just run across it.

“There was an old man hit at the same place mam was about three weeks later and a teenager not long ago. There have been others as well.

“Something needs to be done about that road.”

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Six months on from the crash, Ms Theakston has an appointment next week to see about getting a prosthetic leg and hopes to eventually be able to walk again.

She said: “I’m a very positive person.

“It’s daunting but I’ll get there because I’m a positive person.

“It has turned my life upside down but I’m getting there. It’s going to be hard work.”

She added her thanks to the medical staff and carers who have helped her on her path to recovery.

She said: “Everyone has been fantastic. The carers and the doctors and nurses have been absolutely marvellous. I’d like to thank the nurses at James Cook on ward 35 and 36.”

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