Shannon needs to get a leg up.

After a traumatic freak-accident at the age of 2, 9 operations, 1-bypass, an amputation and a reconstruction, Shannon Martins - an SA national swimmer with Olympic potential requires an Iron-man worthy upgrade.

For the past 5 years, Shannon's prosthetic leg has served her well. Unfortunately, as it nears the end of its lifespan, a couple squirts of Q-20 no longer keeps the squeaks at bay and her leg is on the verge of mechanical breakdown.

Any able-bodied person knows how inhibited movement and day-to-day activity is when your knee is out of commission.

It therefore goes without saying that the most essential part of a prosthetic leg is the knee. It also happens to be the most expensive part of a prosthetic leg and in this case, the part of her new leg which medical aid will not cover - go figures, right?

Louise (Shannon's mother) has raised Shannon and her younger sister, Jenna as a single parent after tragically losing her husband when Shannon was 8 years old. Although Louise has been diligently saving up to safeguard her daughters' futures, she needs a little help this time giving Shannon a leg up.

Shannon's love for the water has her dreaming of a life on deck (or rather below) which will demand a level of agility, movement and ability that can only come with this life-changing upgrade.

For Shannon to have a totally improved quality of life, her orthopedic surgeon has spec'd the:

• C-leg with a 6-year warranty
• Triton 1C60 foot

Shannon shows up - for her friends, her family and pretty much anyone else who needs her. She is uniquely deserving of this upgrade and desperately requires a couple people to stand together and this time, show up for her to give her the opportunity of a step (or a couple) in a new, brighter (and less squeaky) direction.

Please help us work towards raising the funds necessary to cover what medical aid won't to upgrade Shannon's prosthetic.