Hemel amputee volunteer helps other patients with limb loss walk again

After learning to walk again following the sudden loss of his leg, David Field - from Hemel Hempstead - has returned to the West Herts Therapies Unit as a volunteer and is now helping other amputees take their first steps - earning praise as a “hero” from patients. 

Despite losing a limb, David has chosen to share the motivation and determination that helped him relearn how to walk with others, making a huge impact on both their physical and mental health. 

David Field, 67, found a small mark on his foot eight years ago which developed into gangrene. Surgery to improve blood flow was unsuccessful, and his leg was amputated at very short notice, which came as a shock to David. 

David had to adapt quickly to life with one leg and learn to walk all over again. That’s when the physiotherapy team stepped in. David received physiotherapy at the West Herts Therapy Unit in Abbots Langley, where he gradually regained his confidence. 

But David’s determination did not stop with his own recovery. He decided to share it with patients in similar situations who had lost both a limb and their confidence. He now volunteers at amputee rehabilitation sessions at the physiotherapy unit three times per week. 

His lived experience of limb loss now directly benefits other patients, offering a perspective that physiotherapists themselves cannot provide. He shares practical advice on using prosthetics, stump care, socks, soreness and mobility. 

For David, seeing patients flourish and learn to walk again makes it all worthwhile, and David’s support has had a profound impact on patients, and he has become an inspiration to the class.  

Julia Normoyle, who is undergoing rehabilitation following an amputation, says meeting David has been the most positive part of her recovery. His example, tips and encouragement leave her feeling empowered after every rehabilitation session. 

“The most positive thing following my amputation was meeting Dave. Seeing how he lives with it inspired me. He has shown me tricks and tips that I have really been able to take on board. I go home feeling empowered after every session. He’s my hero. Dave is my absolute hero.” 

David also credits one particular physiotherapist, Alison, with helping him take the first crucial step in his recovery by encouraging him to move from his hospital bed into a chair after his amputation. For David, volunteering alongside Alison and supporting patients in the same rehabilitation group is a full circle moment, saying: “She helped me right at the start, and now I’m helping her.” 

David is a powerful reminder that positivity can emerge from adversity. David said: “If I could speak to myself when I first had the amputation, I’d say: ‘Don’t panic. Don’t worry.’ The shock is very daunting, but I looked at it this way: it has happened now, so I’ll just get on with it.”