Claire:
Echelon VT

From Sepsis to Strength: Claire Ryan’s Journey Toward Rediscovering Life

Claire Ryan's story is one of resilience, transformation, and determination. A former ski guide and kitchen assistant, Claire's life changed dramatically after a wound on her leg developed into sepsis not once, but twice. That experience led to above-knee limb loss and years away from the active lifestyle she loved. Yet, her vision for the future remains stronger than ever.

"I want to help others who've had a life-changing injury or illness get back into sports," Claire says. "Sport is a powerful way to discover your potential, build strength and confidence, and improve mental wellbeing. I want to be part of that journey for others."

Life Before Amputation

From 2005 to 2009, Claire was a qualified ski guide, working with school groups in the French and Austrian mountains during winter. She also worked as a hotel kitchen assistant, taking on varied responsibilities across the kitchen and supporting the team with cleaning and dishwashing. It was her entry point into hospitality, and she hoped to one day climb the ladder and train as a chef.

But that path was abruptly interrupted after she fell following a long shift in 2009. This fall led to the discovery of an underlying condition that would eventually reshape her life: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a degenerative condition affecting joints, tendons, ligaments, and movement. By 2010, Claire was using a wheelchair full time.

A Life-Changing Infection

In December 2021, Claire fell from her wheelchair and sustained a minor wound. Despite multiple operations, the injury never healed properly, and her underlying condition wasn’t factored into her treatment. In March 2022, after months of pain, fever, and sickness, she was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, a severe bone infection, which eventually developed into sepsis by July.

Shockingly, her local hospital still didn’t begin treatment for the infection. By March 2023, Claire was rushed to another hospital out of county, where doctors immediately started treating the life-threatening sepsis. She recalls:

“I was rotting from the inside out.”

In October 2023, Claire underwent above-knee amputation to stop the sepsis spreading and to save her life.

Living With Limb Loss and Complex Conditions

Claire’s recovery was complicated further in early 2025, when a blister caused by her socket and liner led to another case of osteomyelitis in her residual limb. She lost a further 3 inches from her stump and was once again treated for sepsis. Only recently has she been able to return to physical activity and physiotherapy.

In addition to limb loss, Claire lives with EDS, a spinal cord injury, joint dislocations, autism, and learning disabilities, making her rehabilitation journey far more complex than most. Physical and emotional recovery has been an enormous challenge, especially after being away from sport for four years.

“Losing my leg hit my confidence hard. I’ve always been active, but I didn’t know what I could do anymore after everything.”

Discovering Blatchford

Claire learned about Blatchford through the charity LimbPower, which supports amputees in sport and physical activity. While she is still discovering what her new prosthetic device is capable of, she’s hopeful it will help her regain her confidence and independence.

One such device is the Echelon VT, a hydraulic ankle designed for dynamic lifestyles. It offers independent hydraulic control of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, allowing smoother, more natural movement for uneven surfaces like kitchen floors or snowy slopes. Its shock absorption and vertical compliance reduce joint strain and improve comfort for users with conditions like EDS.

“Comfort and stability are vital for people like me with more than one diagnosis,” Claire explains. “It’s not just about walking, it’s about protecting your body.”

Looking Ahead: A Dream Reimagined

While Claire once dreamed of returning to work in a kitchen or on the slopes, her experience with illness has sparked a new passion.

“My dream job now would be working with people with life-changing injuries or illnesses, helping them get back into sport. Sport helps rebuild your confidence, your strength, and your mental health. It shows you that a new, good life awaits you on the other side of disability.”

She’s particularly interested in working with organisations like the Invictus Games, LimbPower, or others in the amputee community where sport is central to rehabilitation. Claire shared that while the idea of a “limitless world” sounds empowering, it can feel impossible to achieve for those living with disabilities or limb loss.

Her mission is to help change that by making access to inclusive equipment and adaptive technology the norm, not the exception.

“I’ve felt degraded, angry, and upset by how society still sees disabled people as burdens. The only way to change that is to ensure people have the necessary equipment to live independently and fully without unnecessary restrictions.”

Moving Forward With Blatchford

Claire’s story is still unfolding, but her determination to rebuild her life, support others, and defy limitations is already inspiring. With support from her clinical team, adaptive technology, and the wider limb difference community, she’s proving that progress is possible despite immense adversity.

At Blatchford, we believe in enabling independence, not just mobility. With innovative devices like the Echelon VT, we aim to help people like Claire rediscover how to move and live, fully and freely.

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