In April 2023 I was given a choice to live with my leg which started off with gangrenous toes along with foot ulcer and an ankle ulcer, living a life of pain and antibiotics or to have a below the knee amputation.

I did not realise how life changing this was going to be.

I was suddenly unable to do everything, from being very active DIYer and messing with my cars I went to being totally helpless. 

There was nobody at the time to help me or my family through this stage except for my wife who deserves a medal!

After 3 months I finally got my first new leg or prosthesis as some people say.

After an initial delight getting this I went on to hating it, as it was heavy and cumbersome and put me off walking.

Thanks to my family for building a ramp which enabled me to join the living again, although being severely limited doing everyday things.

Realising there are people who are worse than myself helps me to keep my chin up.

Thanks to my family and Airedale and Bradford Out on a Limb I have learnt a tremendous amount about living as am amputee and some of its pitfalls.

The best thing I’ve learnt is to take your time and you will slowly improve.