A NORTH-EAST mother has started the treatment which she hopes will save her leg.

Supporters of Ann Teasdale raised £20,000 to send her to the United States for specialist treatment.

Mrs Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has already had to have one leg amputated after contracting the rare condition reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSDS).

The illness has spread to her other leg and her only hope is to have revolutionary treatment from Texas-based Dr Donald A Rhodes.

The 42-year-old mother-of-four flew to the US with members of her family two weeks ago.

Dr Rhodes showed her a video of patients with similar conditions who have been treated and who now lead normal lives without the need for amputations.

The early signs are that Mrs Teasdale is responding well to the treatment, which may take some time.

In a message to her supporters, she said: "I am already off one of my medications and within the next two weeks I will hopefully be off all of them. My foot is already looking a better colour.

"I am currently on the machine three times a day, so it is taking most of our time up at the moment."

Although Dr Rhodes says he will not charge more than £10,000 for the treatment, it is not certain how much Mrs Teasdale's accommodation and living costs will amount to so fundraising is continuing.

The latest donation was from Ann Tomlinson, who contributed all of the money she received for Mother's Day.

Anyone who wants to help with the fundraising efforts can contact Bill Blenkinsopp on (01325) 308057.