Motorist who faced amputation walks home from Addenbrooke’s Hospital

A father-of-three who almost had to have his leg amputated following a car accident has walked home.

Derrick Ayebo arrived at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in November 2021 after treatment from the crash, which happened abroad, became infected. He had sepsis deep in his leg bone, his life was in danger and leg amputation was being discussed.

Derrick needed multiple operations on his leg, plus powerful antibiotics to treat the infection. But last week, after more than five months of treatment, the 46-year-old was discharged from hospital, able to walk with the help of a frame.

His physiotherapist, Gianluca Saracino, noted that Derrick was in the top one per cent of successful recoveries. He said: “I was amazed how much Derrick achieved – it was like a miracle.”

Learning to stand was extremely painful for Derrick, but he was determined to regain independence. Derrick said: “I promised my son that I would play football again with him. It is incredible what the wonderful people at Addenbrooke’s did for me.

“Everyone, from the consultant, the secretaries, the nurses, the cleaners – everyone. I can’t thank them enough. So many people have invested so much into my recovery. I am so grateful to them.

“I want to get stronger not only for me and my immediate family, but for the whole team here at Addenbrooke’s. They all really care, they really do.”

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