A Harrogate woman has started crocheting dolls for disabled people after having her leg amputated.
In April last year, Charlotte Addy underwent eight operations after developing compartment syndrome in her right leg - but doctors were forced to amputate.
Following discharge from hospital, Charlotte said she felt “isolated” after having to make life-changing adjustments to her home and to get around each day.
Determined to improve her mental health and to benefit others, Charlotte began crocheting to make dolls for children and adults with disabilities.
Her aim is to sell the dolls to fund a new prosthetic leg, which could cost up to £20,000.
She told Your Harrogate:
“I have been very busy with creating commissioned dolls with medical aids, neurodivergence, physical disabilities and more!
“I’ve made dolls with feeding tubes, communication devices, alopecia, amputees and even a mini-me look-a-like doll, with a pink prosthetic leg and crutches!
“I want to make these dolls for people to feel included, seen and to spread awareness.
“Although there is now more awareness of different disabilities, there is still a long way to go and I really hope that my dolls can help the community feel more included.”
Before her injury, Charlotte had a strong interest in music, art and anything creative.
She also loved to run, and hopes to fund a new prosthetic running blade.
Speaking about life after her surgery, she said:
“There were so many life-changing adjustments that I had to come to terms with, such as my house now being inaccessible, resulting in me moving back in with my parents.
“I realised how tricky it is to get into shops and around Harrogate in a wheelchair. I lacked independence and was in a lot of pain, especially phantom pain!
“I felt lonely and lost all interest in the things I loved, however in spite of this, one day I picked up my hook and a ball of wool and decided to start crocheting again.
“This really benefited my mental health and was the start of an exciting new project!”
Anyone interested in Charlotte’s dolls or who wants to find out more about them can contact her via Instagram (@c.addyart) or by email: c.addyart@outlook.com
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
