After years of pain, Deborah Jenkins is walking her dog again, thanks to a knee replacement in France.

The 63-year-old from Southampton had been suffering for years and was unable to walk without a stick for the past three years.

However, a quick trip across the Channel to a private hospital in France has given her a new lease of life.

Deborah, a former nurse, decided earlier this year to undergo a total left knee replacement with Elite Surgery Abroad (ESA), after waiting for years for news of an NHS appointment.

Deborah with husband Richard, one day post op and celebrating wedding anniversary with non alcoholic ChampagneDeborah with husband Richard, one day post op and celebrating wedding anniversary with non alcoholic Champagne (Image: Blueprint Media)

She said: "I am so delighted with the whole experience that I am telling everybody about it.

"My hairdresser even has a list of people who want to have a chat with me about my experience with ESA."

Deborah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis ten years ago and then developed osteoarthritis.

She tried to get a date for an operation, but it was taking forever and even when the hospital team proposed a potential time, they couldn’t guarantee it.

Deborah has surprise visit from her son on day 10 of post operationDeborah has surprise visit from her son on day 10 of post operation (Image: Blueprint Media) She said: "That was when we started researching ESA."

ESA is pioneering affordable private surgery and is now successfully offering a complete package for knee and hip treatment in the top-rated Victor Pauchet Clinic in Amiens at costs up to 35 per cent less than is available anywhere in Britain.

Deborah said: "I had nearly two weeks in the residence after the op, with physio every day and full access to their gym.

"My package cost £11,500.

"The local private clinic in the UK charges £17,500 – and that only includes one night in hospital and one physio session.

"There is no comparison."

Deborah is now three months into her recovery and walking every day unaided.

She reckons that because she is now walking normally again, the issues she had been having with her right knee and her hip are easing.

She said: "If the situation arose that I had to have my other knee done, I would have no hesitation about going back to France with ESA."