'THOSE with disabilities are not defined by their conditions."

That's the inspirational message from a double leg amputee from Bradford who is starring in a major new campaign which is highlighting what people with disabilities from across the UK have been able to achieve.

Andrea Moran, 47, was determined to ensure her situation would not prevent her from being able to care for her granddaughter.

Her ordeal began back in March 2016, when she received the devastating news she would have to have two below-knee amputations after contracting sepsis.

Understandably, losing both legs had a huge impact on Andrea both physically and psychologically.

However, after being fitted with prosthetics at the end of January 2017, she used the opportunity to play an active role in the life of her young granddaughter Hallie as inspiration to regain her confidence and push on with her rehabilitation.

Andrea’s renewed self-belief and love of her family is now taking centre-stage in the new I am Able campaign from national law firm Irwin Mitchell.

The campaign is putting a spotlight on ability rather than disability and raising awareness of the progress that real people have been able to make with the right support.

Andrea has instructed Irwin Mitchell to investigate concerns with her sepsis treatment at the Bradford Royal Infirmary and as well as investigating on her behalf, they have also helped Andrea to set up a new support group alongside the charity 'Finding Your Feet', which meets once a month.

Looking back on the past few years, Andrea said: “Facing up to the reality of losing my legs was incredibly hard, but I focused on my ultimate goal of being able to walk again.

"This was about more than just me – it was about ensuring I could be there for my family and my granddaughter.

“Rather than think about what I have lost, I like to consider the opportunities that I have been given.

"Not only have I started an amputee group alongside a charity, but I’ve also been able to participate in an art group – something I always wanted to do but never had time.

“Above everything else, I am looking forward to watching Hallie grow.

"I am grateful for this chance after suffering such a serious illness and am determined to ensure I can enjoy every minute with her and our family."

Andrea said she is delighted to be a part of the campaign.

"It is great to showcase that those with disabilities are not defined by their conditions,” she added.

Rebecca Pearey, specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Andrea has endured an incredibly difficult few years but her attitude in the face of everything she has been through has been truly remarkable.

“She has drawn a huge amount of strength from the idea of being able to care for her granddaughter and, with her determination, has gone on to make that a reality.

"She has also got so much of her confidence back and it has been truly fantastic to see."

She added: “We are delighted to be able to support her and think she is undoubtedly a perfect fit for the I am Able campaign and its message that what counts is ability, not disability.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said yesterday: “It is inappropriate for us to comment at this stage.”