A MAN from Frome, who launched an appeal to raise £15,000 to pay for private treatment to have his left leg amputated, has reached his target.
So far, over £16,000 has been donated to cricketer Rob Franks, who was born and raised in Frome. Rob made the decision to pursue an amputation after being left in constant and agonising pain in his left leg because of a fracture in his femur that won’t heal.
The accident in 2014, followed treatment for a bone tumour in his left leg in 2011 and again in 2013, leaving him with no sensation from the knee down in his left leg and needing the use of crutches and a wheelchair to aid his mobility.
The appeal was launched in late September, and following national media coverage, including an appearance on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show, Rob reached his target in just over two weeks. “The public response has blown me and my family away,” said Rob. “There have been so many kind donations.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would reach the target in two weeks. I’ve had so many messages of support from friends as well as strangers, it’s been quite surreal to be honest.
“My next step is to book an appointment with the surgeon and get the ball rolling.”
With any excess money that has been donated, Rob hopes to use the surplus to purchase a specially-designed prosthetic leg that can be used to play cricket and other sports. To support Rob please visit his fundraising page: www.v.com/ robs-amputation-fund
