FUNDRAISING efforts to help a North-East mother receive urgent treatment for a crippling condition have topped the £30,000 mark.

Mother-of-four Ann Teasdale had to have her left leg amputated after contracting Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) following a bunion operation.

She faced the prospect of losing the other but is said to be making good progress by doctors in the US, where she is receiving treatment.

Supporters raced against the clock to raise the £20,000 needed to fly Mrs Teasdale to Texas for the treatment, which started in March.

Fundraising efforts have continued in Mrs Teasdale's home town of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to keep her there as long as is necessary, and to buy specialist equipment.

And this week, supporters revealed that an extra £10,000 has been raised in the six weeks since she left for the US.

Recent events have included a drive-thru challenge at the McDonald's restaurant near Aycliffe Village on Saturday.

The restaurant donated £1 to the Ann Teasdale Appeal for every car which visited it in a two-hour period.

Helped by the Mayor of Sedgefield borough, Councillor David Newell, and Mayoress Councillor Lucy Hovvels, the event raised about £500 for the appeal.

A cheque for £500 has also been received from Newton Aycliffe Sports and Social Club.

The money will go towards extending Mrs Teasdale's stay in Texas, and to help pay for a prosthetic leg, which will cost about £7,000.

The latest news from the US is encouraging. Dr Donald Rhodes, who developed the specialist treatment, says Mrs Teasdale is making good progress.

She is no longer taking pain-killing drugs and has begun the first steps in the process to enable her to bear weight on her foot.

Dr Rhodes said: "Mrs Teasdale has made excellent progress since being treated in my clinic.

"I expect her to return to the UK pain-free and hopefully with no wheelchair."