Kerry Gillon

What began as an ordinary journey quickly became a moment that changed everything, leading Kerry to focus on recovery as she worked towards regaining confidence and establishing a new sense of normal.

Kerry Gillon, 38, attends the Dorset Orthopaedic Glasgow Clinic following a lifechanging road traffic accident that occurred when she was 35.

In July 2022, Kerry was travelling by car to Blackpool with her six-year-old son when her partner momentarily fell asleep at the wheel. Kerry recalls waking to a sudden shudder and immediately realising the severity of her injury. Emergency services were called, and she was airlifted by helicopter to Queen Elizabeth hospital in Glasgow, arriving fully conscious. Following emergency treatment and further surgery, Kerry underwent a below-elbow amputation of her left arm, after a period in intensive care and subsequent hospital transfer.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, Kerry recalls feeling no pain due to shock. Her primary concern throughout the incident was the safety and wellbeing of her son. “I was just glad we were both alive,” said Kerry.

Kerry describes accepting the amputation relatively quickly from a mental perspective, although adapting to everyday tasks presented new challenges. Simple routines such as tying shoelaces required adjustment and Kerry was keen to regain independence and a sense of normality. “I wanted to feel like myself again,” she explained.

While researching prosthetic treatment options, Kerry discovered Dorset Orthopaedic through patient stories and videos. With support from her case manager/occupational therapist, she was referred to the Dorset Orthopaedic’s Glasgow Clinic, where prosthetist David Morrison, began her prosthetic assessment and treatment.

During her treatment, Kerry was fitted with a silicone cosmetic hand, chosen for its lifelike appearance. While non-functional, the prosthesis has helped her rebuild confidence and feel comfortable in everyday life. Kerry affectionately named her prosthetic arm “Sheila”, describing it as an extension of herself. “Sheila helped me feel normal again,” Kerry said.

Kerry has always been passionate about supporting others, having worked in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and mental health care. Following the accident, she focused on ensuring her son received appropriate counselling support. Looking to the future, Kerry plans to train as a counsellor herself, with the aim of offering one-to-one support in her own practice.

Reflecting on her journey, Kerry hopes to reassure others facing similar challenges. “You’re going to get through this, and it’s going to be fine”, said Kerry. “Some days are harder than others, but you just have to keep showing up and being yourself.”