Jennifer praises ‘transformational’ Peacocks Medical Group support

A medical sector operator has been acclaimed for its work in transforming the life of a sports and fitness enthusiast.

Jennifer Seaton says she “cannot praise enough” the support of Newcastle-based Peacocks Medical Group in creating her specialist footwear.

Jennifer, from Gateshead, was born with a congenital deformity in her right foot.

Aged just nine months, she had surgery to help correct it and subsequent surgery throughout her childhood and adulthood.

Each operation improved the functionality until her most recent one in 2015, when Jennifer was advised to have mid-foot amputation to address a bone growth issue.

Prior to the amputation, Jennifer wore surgical shoes until her mid-teens and was then able to wear flat shoes, trainers and walking boots that allowed her to enjoy hobbies including hockey, rounders, tennis, squash, running and distance walking.

However, she had to retire from social care work following the mid-foot amputation and had ongoing problems with her stump that meant she could no longer enjoy her pastimes.

Jennifer was referred to Peacocks Medical Group and in 2020 worked extensively with the orthotics team, which applied its skills and expertise to create a protype cross orthotic infill that acts as a running shoe.

Jennifer said: “Clinical lead orthotist Mark Walbank and manufacture planning manager Craig Dixon listened to me, understood my problems and developed a protype that meets my needs.

“The footwear has made a significant difference, as following the mid-foot amputation, I was subsequently presented with problems in all forms of footwear.

“Thanks to their skills, I now not only have a running shoe, but they are currently in the process of devising a cycling shoe for me too.”

Established in 1903, family-run Peacocks employs 140 staff and provides clinical services and medical equipment to the NHS and the private sector nationally.

Mark added: “Jennifer has been a superb patient to work with.

“Her high motivation along with her positive mental attitude has helped her overcome so many challenges, and I’m looking forward to continuing our fabulous orthotics progress.”