A mother-of-four has suffered her first setback as doctors battle to save her leg. Ann Teasdale, of Newton Aycliffe, is receiving treatment in the United States.

The 42-year-old has already had to have one leg amputated after contracting Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome.

The illness spread to her other leg and doctors in this country said it was likely that leg would also have to be removed. Family and friends started fundraising to send her to Texas to be treated by Dr Donald Rhodes, who specialises in the condition.

Supporters raised £20,000 and Mrs Teasdale has been receiving treatment for more than a month.

Dr Rhodes has withdrawn most of her medication and the treatment appeared to be going well.

But Mrs Teasdale has been experiencing a lot of pain this week and it is only the thought of her loved ones which is keeping her going.

In a message to family and friends, she said: "Things are not easy at the moment, in fact I'm going through hell.

"I've even thought about giving up, coming home and letting them take my leg off.

"But then I stop and think about how much everyone back home has done for me, so just for them I am going to have to stick this out. I owe that to everyone who has been so kind."

Fundraising efforts are continuing because it is not certain how long the treatment will take.

Staff at Electrolux in Newton Aycliffe paid to wear orange noses for the day and raised more than £1,500.

Anyone who wants to help contact Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.