AN AMPUTEE who died seven times during surgery has trained as a Volunteer Visitor to support others.

Chelsea Roach, 26, of Slough, was a busy and fun-loving when she was involved in an accident on holiday and became an upper limb amputee.

This Volunteers’ Week, from June 1 to June 7, the Limbless Association is celebrating its Volunteer Visitor peer supporters.

As a Volunteer Visitor, Chelsea now supports others going through a similar experience.

Chelsea went on a safari excursion in the jungle went the jeep she was on overturned.

The vehicle fell on her arm causing an amputation of her arm above the elbow.

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After being rushed to hospital, Chelsea died seven times during her surgery to which she survived.

When she returned home, Chelsea was off work for six months and felt isolated and alone until she found out about Limbless Association through her occupational therapist.

Becoming a member saw her meeting other amputees who shared their experiences and from that she wanted to support others and trained to be a Volunteer Visitor.

Chelsea now has a new job and is studying for a degree and has taken up a new hobby – pole dancing.

Chelsea said: “I wish I’d known about the VV service in those important early days when I became an amputee.

I have been volunteering for eight months now and love it.

“I really enjoy supporting service users with their questions and challenges – I’ve seen people progress and it’s really rewarding.

“It’s helped me become more accepting of my situation and the sense of achievement and happiness I feel is immense.”

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Tania Spurling, project manager for the VV service, explained: “It’s an exciting time for the VV project as it continues to grow and demonstrate the benefits that peer support can bring.

“As part of Volunteers’ week, we are celebrating the fantastic work of our Volunteer Visitors who kindly give their time to help support others.

“By volunteering for just a few hours each month Volunteer Visitors make an extraordinary impact.

"Chelsea along with our team of more than 50 Volunteer Visitors have really helped make a difference by offering one-to-one peer support to amputees across the UK helping us to ensure that no amputee need cope alone.”