A nine-year-old York girl who had both legs removed in the hope of a better life has been left in constant pain - and wishing she had never had the operation.

Jade Cumberland, of Fourth Avenue, Tang Hall, was born with rare leg deformities.

Doctors said her best hope of leading a normal existence was to have her legs amputated, and be fitted artificial limbs.

She underwent the surgery in September 1998 with doctors hoping she would soon only need to use her wheelchair for emergencies.

But more than two years later, Jade believes the operations have failed to deliver the life she hoped for.

"She wishes the surgery had never been done in the first place," her mother, Janette, said.

"She did it because she was told that after the surgery she would be able to walk the dog, ride a bike - to generally be a normal child.

"She wears the artificial legs to school but she is in constant discomfort, and by the time she gets home she is in agony and has to take them off.

"We didn't expect she would still be using her wheelchair every day this far down the line."

Before Jade's legs were amputated, a special night at Layerthorpe Club raised £1,600 to send her to Disneyland.

The money is still sitting in trust as she has not been able to go.

Her legs are too painful and her mother cannot cope with looking after her.

"The legs are too heavy for me to lift on to her in the mornings," said Janette.

Jade's surgery took place at St James's Hospital, in Leeds, and her artificial legs were supplied by Chapel Allerton Hospital's Rehabilitation Unit.

"I'm not blaming Chapel Allerton, they just don't have the funding to provide a satisfactory service," said Janette.

Last September, Jade and her mother met medical staff from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to formally complain about her problems.

"They hoped things would improve," said Janette.

"But they haven't, and I feel that she's suffered enough."

Janette admits she has missed a few appointments at Chapel Allerton. She feels the hospital is a depressing environment for Jade, and they are not making progress.

Janette believes that had Jade been treated privately, their situation would never have arisen.

A spokesperson for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We are deeply concerned that Jade and her family appear to be unhappy with the treatment they have received, as we were unaware of any outstanding problems.

"Jade was last seen by her consultant in November 2000 and no concerns were identified.

"Unfortunately, Jade's family have not been able to attend several appointments and have not responded to correspondence.

"We would urge Jade's family to contact us as a matter of urgency to discuss any worries they might have."

Synergy House, in Manchester, is a private clinic which supplies artificial limbs and treatment in cases like Jade's.

A spokesperson said it was difficult to put a cost on treatment but it would run into thousands of pounds.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, January 30, 2001