Help Robin to reach the next phase of his life

Robin is an ex-Operations Manager who worked for KRL in Frome. He is a type 1 Diabetic and double amputee. Having lost his second leg during Covid-19, which proved deeply challenging he is looking for funding to support him in living independently, now and in the future. One day, he would also like to help others in a similar position by facilitating a local support group. He tells his story below:

My story began in June 2019, when I was admitted to The RUH Bath with sepsis, the source of which was initially unknown. The following day, a red mark appeared on the top of my right foot but, as it was not swollen or hot this was just monitored. Overnight, a large blister developed and 2 of my toes turned black and died. I was rushed to Southmead hospital in Bristol and underwent emergency surgery to remove not 2, but 4 toes and approximately half my foot. I was then transferred to ICU as my heart rate had become irregular. I stayed here for a week before being transferred to the vascular ward. Little did I know that I would never return to the job I enjoyed again.

Unfortunately, my ordeal was far from over. Two weeks’ later I again became unwell with sepsis. My temperature soared to 39.7. Despite, efforts to reduce my temperature as I laid there covered in cold flannels with a fan on full speed, the Consultant visiting me delivered further chilling news. Seeing that my foot had become infected again I was taken for emergency surgery resulting in my right leg being amputated below the knee. Days later, eager to get out of bed I forgot my leg was no longer there and fell over injuring the stump! Then followed the uncertainty of whether I would lose my leg further up due to the onset of another infection, but the wait paid off and after the antibiotics did their job the infection healed up. By now I was desperate to get home and start my recovery, but living in a third floor flat, which was no longer accessible meant I was unable to leave hospital until somewhere suitable was found. The frustration of not finding somewhere suitable and knowing I was taking up a valuable hospital bed was playing havoc with my mental health.

In some ways this was a blessing as it was soon apparent that my left foot had developed an infection resulting in yet another trip back to the operating theatre for debridement, meaning a thorough clean out of the infection. By now a pattern was developing as the infection came back resulting in my second toe being removed. Because I had developed total neuropathy I did not need any anaesthetic and was able to watch the operation which was fascinating and nothing like you see on the TV!!

By now my mood was at an all time low and I thought there couldn’t possibly be any more problems. How wrong I was because a few weeks later the long term ulcer I had on my heel became infected and yet more surgery to debride it took place. Despite, all this I attended the gym regularly and followed the advice of the rehabilitation team, surprising them with my progress on my new limb and also supporting other amputees on the ward I eventually left Southmead after 8 long months initially to a Pathway flat and then a month later I finally moved into my current flat in Frome and started living life with a prosthetic leg. Often, wearing my long trousers many people in Frome would have just seen a man with a slight limp and a stick. I was getting better at walking even though the hills in Frome are challenging

You would think that was the end of my story, but then Covid-19 came and with it self-isolation and loneliness. I already had some support from Frome Active and in Touch, a local group who continued to provide telephone support to help boost my moral, but just 11 weeks after leaving hospital I was readmitted again to the RUH with Sepsis in my heel bone and given the choice of months of IV antibiotics with no guarantee of success or another below knee amputation. I couldn't face the thought of months of treatment, so opted for surgery and was again moved to Southmead hospital for the operation.

I now face life as a bi-lateral amputee and desperately need to move to a property with a wet room and accessible kitchen. As a Diabetic, microwave meals are not the healthiest option, but until I learn to walk on my prosthetic limbs being wheelchair bound makes using the hob and oven safely almost impossible. I am likely to need some special equipment to do this. I am also currently cut off due to the hilly location and would love a more suitable wheelchair, perhaps a vehicle and the chance to live in a flatter part of town and be able to go shopping, meet new people, perhaps do some voluntary work and one day support others in a similar situation.

I would be eternally grateful to anyone who might be willing to donate, however small so that I may finally settle and turn a property into a ‘home’ where I can feel safe and be independent after so very long.

Thank you for reading.

Robin