Adelaide boy Joshua Turner, 8, could lose foot to rare disease without interstate treatment

ABC Joshua Turner with his mum Kate, who has fought to get financial support for his medical needs.

A South Australian mother has lobbied the State Government for support so her eight-year-old son can travel interstate for medical treatment that could save his foot from being amputated.

Kate Turner said her son Joshua had been denied access to the patient assistance transport scheme despite having a rare disease called arteriovenous malformation.

"He has been on pain-killing medication for close to three years before he had surgery," Ms Turner told 891 ABC Adelaide.

"He struggles with pain. He can't run around with his peers. He just loves football and the Crows and just wants to kick a football with his mates at school and just can't."

Ms Turner said doctors had told the family the boy's foot might need to be amputated without specialist treatment, which was available interstate.

She said financial support was the only way the family could afford the recommended medical option, but the State Government had ruled Joshua ineligible.

"They're saying travelling to Melbourne for the only treatment that could save my son's foot is 'seeking a second opinion' [and] it means they won't allow us into the patient transport access scheme," she said.

"[It is] the only way we're going to be able to afford to get him to the hospital treatment every three months."

The family started an online petition, which attracted thousands of supporters and brought a change of heart from the SA Government.

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Adelaide boy Joshua Turner, 8, could lose foot to rare disease without interstate treatment