My name is Leanne Grose and I am 25 years old. I used to be really slim, play netball and get loads of exercise. On 13th September 2001 I was taken into hospital where they found a tumour in my left foot. The tumour was removed and I had 3 months of radiotherapy and treatment, however due to severe pain and a very determined tumour returning, on 17th November 2002 my left leg below the knee was amputated.

I was fine with this and have always had the attitude 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'!

Time passed and unfortunately because there was so much damage to the stump the tumour had returned, on 6th September 2004 they had to remove the rest of my leg (above knee).

I am a strong independent person who is passionate about life, an individual who does not believe this disability will hold me back.

I have a zest for life and love being around people, I enjoy 'making like a sponge and taking in everything'.
I believe I have a strong and fun personality and these things together I think have got me through tough times.
My last amputation was in May 2006 in London, I have just finished 5 weeks of radiotherapy which wasn't easy but I'm going to get there!

I believe things happen for a reason and I am not a wannabe, I am a somebody and want to get out there and be huge, helping others and ridding this country of a taboo. You can be young, sexy and feminine even if you are different, it simply makes you special!

I work hard and am trying to make it in this business and am willing to do whatever it takes - I want to be the first woman to walk down the red carpet on one leg and crutches !!!

Photography by The Daily Mirror

Previous Projects
 

Newspapers	Numerous local papers in Cornwall, promoting her fitness dvd, fundraising, raising awareness, opening events. Daily Mirror 'I've lost my leg not my lust for life'! The Daily Star, myself and Russell Brand kissing.
Local radio	Capital R - interviews and chat shows
TV	ITV Westcountry did a documentary on me, showing me working out in the gym, Des Lynam also spoke about me saying I was really positive and inspirational which was lovely.
Magazines	I appeared in B, Best and Slimming World. Inspirational pieces talking about 'zest for life'
	Nominated for 'Cornwall Woman of the Year' in 2006

Other Current Projects
 

Jade's PA Living TV

I have just finished filming Jade's PA in London where I was whittled down from over 1,000 people to the final 10, and moved into a mansion in Finchley, London. I was the first amputee in a reality TV show and nothing was going to stop me (Jade's PA, for Jade Goody, Living TV, Mondays at 10pm). It was a massive challenge and I just wanted to prove whatever is wrong with you you can do anything. It was tough and physically I was exhausted, I decided not to tell anyone I was sick and undergoing treatment. I was taking Tamoxifen in the toilets before I went to bed and I knew I had to come home to have 5 weeks of radiotherapy, but I didn't want sympathy and for the first time in 4 years, since finding this tumour I felt like a 25 year old. During the show I got to meet celebs and make great contacts.

Also signed to a modelling agency In London who use people that are ‘different’

Eventually I would love to take this DVD (similar to Jamie's School Dinners) around hospices, hospitals, homes and schools.