'My leg will be amputated on 4 July... I'll still vote'

Phil Grisewood had 12 months of immunotherapy treatment and will undergo surgery on 4 July

A man due to have his lower leg amputated on the general election polling day said there were "no excuses" for not voting.

Phil Grisewood, 52, from Daventry, Northamptonshire, will have the life-altering surgery on 4 July to remove a cancerous tumour from his ankle.

Never one "to miss out on an election," Mr Grisewood will vote via post meaning he will wake up to the election result.

He hoped the amputation would give him a fresh start and the opportunity to be free of cancer.

Mr Grisewood's friends completed a 36-mile (58km) walk to deliver a rugby matchday ball to raise funds in honour of him

About six years ago, Mr Grisewood was diagnosed with a cancer that was successfully removed by a robot at Leicester General Hospital.

Later, after breaking his collar bone, doctors discovered another tumour which was also removed.

By the end of 2022 he felt pain in his ankle which was diagnosed as another tumour.

Mr Grisewood has received treatment at Northampton General Hospital and University Hospital Leicester but requires amputation to his lower leg.

"Initially it was a shock," he said, "But, I have had 12 months to mentally prepare for it and while it isn't an easy decision it is the right course of action.

"With surgical intervention I can potentially become more mobile than I am on crutches...it is the better solution to give me a better quality of life."

'Freedom to vote'

He said that he knew he was in good hands and had joked with medical staff during his pre-op about them getting their postal votes in early.

"Having been close to healthcare professionals I have seen what they go through. They do a wonderful job...but the right investment is needed," said Mr Grisewood.

Looking ahead to the election, he added: "Never miss an opportunity to vote in the general election. We live in a democratic society and part of democracy is having that freedom to vote, be heard, and have our feelings known."

The deadline to apply for a postal vote in the Parliamentary general election is 17:00 BST on Wednesday 19 June.

Mr Grisewood hopes to be fitted for a prosthetic about a month after the operation