A GRAPHIC designer who loves rock climbing has lost part of her leg after undergoing major surgery following a life-threatening infection.

Laura Lambert, who works at Ted Todd Fine Wood Floors in Chesford Grange in Woolston, had to have her left leg amputated below the knee, right leg reconstructed and fingers shortened after contracting pneumococcal septicaemia.

The courageous 25-year-old has vowed to help raise awareness of this deadly infection and resume her outdoor sports with the support of her husband Charlie, 26, who she married almost two years ago.

She launched a £15,000 appeal to fund specialist equipment to help regain her independence and in just four days more than £6,000 has been donated.

Laura is overwhelmed by the generosity of wellwishers and has spoken from Whiston Hospital for the first time since the deadly condition struck four months ago.

“Even people we don’t know have donated and sent lovely messages,” said Laura, from Widnes.

“I am absolutely blown away. It has definitely lifted our spirits.”

The graphic designer suddenly fell ill at home on February 5.

Charlie, who works as a mechanical engineer at Brevini UK Ltd on Centre Park, said: “Initially Laura was sick and we thought it was a tummy bug but after she came out in a rash and became very lethargic I rang an ambulance.”

A paramedic immediately suspected the killer disease and administered antibiotics straightaway.

“The critical care staff in hospital say this may have saved Laura’s life,” said Charlie.

It was touch and go at first as doctors warned her family she may not survive.

The former Wade Deacon and Riverside College student was sedated and placed onto a ventilator.

She spent eight weeks battling the infection in intensive care. “The main goal was to preserve her life,” said Charlie, as her parents Gill and Alan Bennett and sister Steph Worthington kept vigil with him at her bedside.

After life changing surgery to remove dead tissue and infection and following recent reconstructive surgery three weeks ago, Laura is now determined to rebuild her life. “I have to learn how to do everything again,” she said.

“Even just eating and talking. Trying to communicate was very frustrating and not being able to have a drink was difficult. “

Laura, who can’t walk, stood up for the first time at the weekend with the help of physiotherapists using specialist equipment. “My aim is to walk and get home,” said Laura, who hopes to return to work.

“I don’t want to stop doing anything I did before. I love walking, rock climbing and Zumba.”

Laura and Charlie have always enjoyed an active life growing up in the scout movement.

The couple met on an explorers scout camp in 2009. Charlie, an explorer scout leader, added: “It was love at first sight.”

Laura said: “There was definitely an attraction.” The couple want to raise awareness of the symptoms of sepsis which claims the lives of around 44,000 people every year.

“We didn’t know anything about it,” said Laura, who says she will have to adapt her home to reach cupboards and climb stairs.

“Having this fund will make a massive difference. “On the NHS I can get a standard prosthetic limb but I am hoping to get a blade which will be lighter so I can go hill walking.”

To donate click here. For more information visit sepsistrust.org.