Hip-surgery woman strides out

But now the 30-year-old podiatrist is preparing to run this Sunday’s London Marathon, to raise money for the Children’s Hospital in Sheffield where she received treatment all those years ago.

Ms Walker, who grew up in Sheffield and now lives in Willerby, near Hull, was diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip joint.

Surgery involved remodelling her hip joint and led to a lengthy stay in hospital, during which time she marked her 14th birthday.

Ms Walker said: “The doctors and nurses were brilliant. My birthday was celebrated and what could be a horrible memory for me isn’t, due to the excellent care and attention I received.

“After the operation I had to have a lot of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy at the Ryegate Children’s Centre in Broomhill to help me learn to walk again.

“My surgeon indicated that I would probably need a hip replacement in my mid-20s or early 30s. However, with physiotherapy and keeping my muscles strong I am doing okay.

“The Children’s Hospital is a place very close to my heart and I truly believe that without the care and support I received there I would still be in pain.

“Walking and running wouldn’t even be a consideration.”