A CAMPAIGN to raise awareness of of risk diabetic suffers losing limbs has been targetting Southampton after the city was named among the worst for amputations due to the illness.

According to Diabetes UK's latest figures, Southampton is the seventh worst city for amputations as a result of diabetes in the UK.

Now campaigners have made an emotive symbol in the city centre by putting amputee’s shoes on the ground with a tag telling their story.

The mission is to urge the NHS Southampton CCG to offer more support and services to people when they come for check-ups, particularly with foot complaints about their feet.

Sylvia Lambe from Diabetes UK said it was important to raise the issue.

She said: “It’s very common that people with diabetes don’t even realise there is a problem with their feet.

“We have been raising awareness all over the UK but this display of shoes is really trying to send a message and educate people on the signs so they catch it before it becomes life-changing.”

Daily Echo:

Gerry Buxton and Christine Bartlett.

The charity set up a display outside the Bargate monument of 148 shoes to resemble the number of amputations in Southampton for the past three years.

Shoes were donated by amputees and supporters of the charities as well as celebrities including Spice Girl Mel C, footballer Gary Mabbutt, singer Alexandra Burke, comedian Joe Pasquale, TV news presenters Sally Taylor and Fred Dinenage, Wave 105 DJ Steve Power and Olympic torch bearer and Southampton marathon runner Jim Whitmarsh.

Christine Bartlett, 65 from Woolston is also backing the campaign after she had an amputation below the left knee five years ago, as well as Gerry Buxton, 60, from Eastleigh, who is a double amputee and retired airforce chef.

Gerry, who has type 1 diabetes and lost his legs 13 years ago in the space of six months, said: “The impact of now becoming disabled is not only physical but the emotional affect it has on his family.”

A CCG spokesman said the organisation was working with Diabetes UK and the health services to address the issue of managing the illness to prevent amputations.

A meeting between the CCG and campaigners was also due to take place as a result of the campaign.

The action comes after Mr Justice Peter Jackson concluded that enforced amputation would not be in 73-year-old diabetic, mentally-ill pensioner should not be forced to have his severely-infected left foot amputated even though he could die in days without surgery after analysing the case at a hearing in the Court of Protection, in London.

The event by Diabetes UK has led to city health chiefs organising a meeting with campaigners organised a meeting agreed tod to meet with campaigners.

Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK South East regional manager, added: “Given the high levels of preventable diabetes-related amputations, it is concerning that the amputation rate in Southampton shows no signs of slowing down. “Every amputation is a tragedy, they cost lives and we have seen other neighbouring areas like Fareham and Gosport making real efforts to improve their previously poor diabetes foot care and in some areas we have seen less people experiencing an amputation as a result.

“We need urgent action by the CCG and the shoes on display will send a powerful message about the scale of this issue.”