A DOCTOR says he is ready to start the treatment which he hopes will save a North-East woman's leg as soon as she lands in the US.

Dr Donald A Rhodes, in Corpus Christi, Texas, is confident his revolutionary treatment will prevent Ann Teasdale from needing a second amputation.

Mrs Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is packing her bags after supporters raised £20,000 to send her to the US.

The 42-year-old mother of four had to have a leg amputated after contracting the crippling condition Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS).

The illness, contracted after she underwent a bunion operation, has spread to her other leg and Dr Rhodes appears to be her last remaining hope of avoiding a second amputation.

Mrs Teasdale, her husband, Mick, and daughter, Angela, have booked tickets on a flight to the US and are now trying to arrange accommodation for their stay.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Dr Rhodes said: "I am looking forward to seeing her and we are ready to start the treatment.

"We are sure going to try and save her other leg - we have never had anybody's leg amputated."

Dr Rhodes said tests will start on Mrs Teasdale as soon as she arrives at his clinic.

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts are continuing as supporters do not know how long the treatment will last or exactly how much the stay in Texas will cost.