A WOMAN is preparing to fly to the United States for revolutionary treatment she hopes will save her leg.

Fundraisers for Ann Teasdale have raised enough money for her to receive specialist care from a doctor in Texas.

Although still a little short of the £20,000 target, supporters have sufficient funds to make arrangements for her to travel to the States within the next two weeks.

Mrs Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe, was overcome with emotion when her daughter Louise Fawcett broke the news at a fundraising event in the North Briton pub, Aycliffe Village, at the weekend.

Mrs Teasdale, who has three grown-up children and a two-year-old daughter, said: "I can't believe that the money's been raised in such a short space of time. I'm still in cloud cuckoo land.

"People have been so nice. When I go down town people kiss and cuddle me and wish me all the best."

Mrs Teasdale, 42, has had one leg amputated after developing the crippling condition reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

The illness, which she contracted after undergoing a bunion operation, has spread to her other leg and she is facing the prospect of a second amputation.

Determined to find a cure, Louise searched the internet and found a doctor who specialised in RSDS.

Dr Donald Rhodes says he hopes to be able to help Mrs Teasdale without having to remove her leg.

Mrs Teasdale, who will travel to Texas with husband Mick and daughter Angela, said: "I'm quite scared about the whole thing because I'll be away for so long.

"Every time I've been sent to different hospitals I get my hopes up but it always ends in rejection so I've a big fear about that.

"I don't know what to expect when I get out there and I know it's not going to be easy, but I don't care about that if he can do something about it and take away this pain."