A DOCTOR treating a North-East mother's crippling condition says she is making remarkable progress.

Ann Teasdale is in the US to receive treatment for reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS). She has had to have a leg amputated and could lose the other if her treatment is unsuccessful.

Family and friends from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, raised £30,000 to send her to see specialist Dr Donald Rhodes, who has developed a revolutionary system of treatment.

From his clinic in Corpus Christi, Texas, Dr Rhodes said Mrs Teasdale was getting used to walking with an artificial limb and a stabiliser.

He said: "I feel that the patient will eventually be able to walk without the walker and with a normal shoe.

"She is understandably ecstatic at the prospect of returning home and being able to care for her small child."

Dr Rhodes is planning to contact the Texan press in an effort to raise more money to extend her stay.

He said: "Because the family did not anticipate her doing this well, they did not anticipate the cost of the prosthetic left leg.

"She has said that she never anticipated progressing this far."

To help with the fundraising, contact Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.