A PENSIONER has enjoyed a “renewed lease of life” after having his leg amputated a decade ago.

Far from being a tale of sadness, Allen Braden’s story is one of how the operation stopped his pain, and hasn’t prevented him from doing the things that he loves.

The 81-year-old, from Westcliff, underwent surgery to stop his arteries narrowing and to combat vascular issues. He still loves his DIY and gardening, while getting involved in bowls for the first time.

He has now thanked staff at Southend Hospital for the amputation to his left leg ten years ago.

READ MORE:

Mr Braden, said: “I wanted to give something back to Southend Hospital for my fantastic after care and help reassure patients going down the same path.

“The pain was immense in my leg; it was like having it stuck in a vice that was getting tighter and tighter as a result of vascular problems to do with circulation and the narrowing of my arteries.

“It changed my life, but the pain has gone and I’m still able to do all I could do before.

“I still love doing DIY, gardening and have even taken up playing bowls.

“I was very active when I was younger, doing lots of sports, so I wasn’t going to let losing a leg at 70 stop me from doing anything.

“In fact lots of my friends and family don’t even regard me as an amputee any more.”

Around 50 amputees a year receive post-operation rehabilitation care at Southend Hospital.

The hospital is the place to go for patients to get their prosthesis calibrated, so they are a better fit and more comfortable to use.

Kevin Shreeve, lead physiotherapist for surgical and amputees, added: “We know that losing a leg, foot, arm or hand is a huge change for people, but we are here to help make that transition as smooth as possible by helping get patients used to using their new equipment.

“It is also vitally important they speak to people who have gone through the same process, like Allen, as they can talk about how they felt at the beginning and where they are now.

“It helps reassure people that there is still life after limb loss, and Allen is a great example of that.”