Three weeks after giving birth to her first child, Cat Hart’s life changed forever.

During pregnancy, Cat suffered from severe hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). Without her knowing, this put her at a much higher risk of suffering serious postpartum mental health complications.

In the weeks following the birth of her beautiful girl Bella, Cat became increasingly unwell. Despite her family repeatedly trying to access the right professional medical support, Cat’s condition deteriorated.

In the early hours of a November morning, during a severe episode of postpartum psychosis, Cat left her home in a state of extreme distress. Minutes after leaving her home, she was struck by a bus. The injuries she suffered were catastrophic.

Against all the odds, Cat survived.

She spent four weeks in an induced coma, during which time she had extensive skin grafts and major surgeries on over 30 fractures she had sustained in the accident. Devastatingly, she also lost her right leg above the knee.

After three months on the trauma ward at The Royal London Hospital, Cat is now continuing her recovery at a specialist amputee rehabilitation centre.

Through this life-altering trauma, Cat has shown extraordinary strength. She has met every day with resilience and determination, and is making steady progress across her wide-ranging rehabilitation.

Amazingly, she is able to continue building her bond with Bella, and has now made enough progress to make occasional trips home.

However, five months on from her accident, Cat still faces an incredibly long road ahead.

She is simultaneously needing to navigate life as a first time mum, an amputee, and a survivor of postpartum psychosis.

Her family’s home needs urgent adaptations to ensure it is safe and accessible, and Cat will require specialist equipment and ongoing rehabilitation support to regain her independence.

For a young, active mum, high‑functioning prosthetic legs can cost well in excess of £100,000 each time with many requiring replacing every 5 years.

The NHS provides essential prosthetic care, but the prosthetic limbs that offer the greatest safety, mobility, and independence are not always available through statutory provision.

Access to more advanced prosthetics could change Cat’s life. It would allow her to move independently, to care for her young daughter, and to rebuild her life.

Cat’s family have been next to her every step of the way, making their own sacrifices to support her. However, the financial burden of this life‑changing accident is immense.

Every single donation, no matter how small, will help give Cat the best possible chance to rebuild her life, care for Bella, and continue her remarkable recovery with dignity, independence, and hope.

Thank you for reading this far and for listening to Cat’s story. Any support you are able to give would mean the world. ❤️

Follow Cat’s journey on Instagram & TikTok as she raises awareness for Post Partum Psychosis: @cat_hart_maternity