Allison Friday is a woman who became a quadruple amputee after a severe meningitis infection led to sepsis in 2020, resulting in the loss of her arms below the elbow and legs below the knee, but she has shown incredible resilience, focusing on recovery, rehabilitation, and achieving milestones like walking for her wedding, supported by her Husband and anyone who meets her as we are in awe of what this couple achieve together. They have also launched a fantastic charitable group in the North east called Amputea Time – uniting amputees in that area which is long overdue and much needed.
We are also extremely lucky to have Allison as one of our AMAZING Family mentors. Thank you Allison and David for all you do for us and all other amputees and those who have survived sepsis and those who you ahve warned of the signs.
What’s your name and age?
AF: My name is Allison Friday and I’m 61.
Who lives with you and how old are they? Tell us a little about them—their favourite colours or hobbies!
AF: I live with my husband David and my stepdaughter, although she is about to move into her own flat in the next couple of weeks. We also have two sons both of which live away, one in Scotland and the other in Australia. One is a teacher, one works in hospitality and the other is a police officer.
When did you become an amputee?
AF: I became an amputee in 2020 as a result of Meningococcal Septicaemia.
Do you have a nickname for your stump?
AF: Nope, no nicknames!
What was your biggest concern about becoming an amputee?
AF: The loss of my independence.
Are you working at the moment, or how do you like to spend your days?
AF: Unfortunately my post sepsis brain fog meant I had to give up my career. However, I have a very busy ‘retirement’. David and I run an amputee support group that meets monthly, we also try to support other amputee groups in our area, we do community research projects in our local area, market research projects, accessibility research and I volunteer for Steel Bones. And in our down time we love going to concerts and festivals in our motorhome Gertie.
What’s been your biggest challenge—and how did you overcome it?
AF: My biggest challenge is having to have someone to help me most of the time whereas previously I was very independent. The situation has improved over the last 5 years and I can do more for myself now and I hope this progress continues.
What’s your family’s favourite thing to do together?
AF: Our kids are all late 20’s now so we don’t get to do that much with them these days. However, we did a festival with one of our sons and his partner this summer, which we all really enjoyed so hopefully we can do more of that.
Any funny moments since your amputation?
AF: Too many to mention but then we really try not to take our situation too seriously. We’re always the first to say’want a hand’, ‘fingers crossed’ or ‘best foot forward’. We did have an occasion in a Dr Maarten’s store where the assistant asked if I wanted to try the shoes in case they pinched my feet. He couldn’t understand why we laughed and then was mortified when we reminded him I had plastic feet but he did see the funny side in the end. There are way too many things to get worked up about to worry about anyone’s honest mistakes?
When did you come across Steel Bones? How do we support your family?
AF: David found Steel Bones whilst I was still very poorly and always says that Emma and the team really helped him and the family cope with the emotional and mental turmoil of our very sudden complete life changing experience. These days I’m grateful they trust me to be a family mentor. There’s always something to learn from talking with other amputees and it helps me if I can help others. Steel Bones has also been very helpful in getting our own support group off the ground.
What would you most like to achieve—big or small?
AF: I just want to be happy and content with my life and to help others where I can. And maybe to have a lovely range of sparkly dresses for the festivals!
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