A woman initially mistook a cold for a serious infection that led to the amputation of her leg. Friedel de Beer, 51, a former swim school owner residing in the French Alps, thought she had a common cold in February 2023, but soon experienced a collapse and noticed red, blistered skin on her ankle.
Her husband, James Hope-Lang, quickly took her to the hospital, where doctors warned that her life was in danger due to a severe infection. Friedel was later diagnosed with Strep A, which had progressed to necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as the ‘flesh-eating disease’, a rare and life-threatening condition as per NHS.
To combat the infection, Friedel underwent multiple surgeries, including a below-the-knee and later an above-the-knee amputation. Despite these challenges, she persevered and learned to walk with a prosthetic. In 2025, she underwent another operation to adjust her prosthetic for better mobility.
Friedel now engages in activities like swimming, kayaking, and walking with her prosthetic alongside her 11-year-old son, JJ. She reflects on the experience, emphasizing the importance of seizing every opportunity in life and staying positive despite challenges.
Her journey of resilience and adaptation has inspired her to embrace her prosthetic openly, encouraging others to ask questions and learn more about it. Friedel aims to reintegrate into an active lifestyle and is raising funds for a specialized sports knee prosthetic. She believes her recovery journey has not only transformed her perspective on life but has also demonstrated resilience to her son.
To support Friedel’s recovery fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/help-friedel-recover.
