'I want to look ahead and enjoy life' - amputee, 13

Austin,13, says he is regaining his strength after losing both of his legs to sepsis

A 13-year-old boy who lost both legs to sepsis says he is getting his strength back and looking forward to the future, a year after being placed in an induced coma.

Austin first went into hospital in June 2024 with leg pain. He later developed a life-threatening blood infection and underwent months of treatment, including two induced comas and care at Evelina London Children's Hospital.

The teenager, from Rusper in West Sussex, had his left leg amputated in August 2024 and his right in February 2025 after efforts to save it failed.

Now fitted with prosthetic limbs, Austin said: "I can't change what happened in the past, but I can change what is in front of me."

Austin has returned to school and has had to learn to walk again.

He said: "So much has changed - I'm getting my strength back and trying new things."

He first became unwell after complaining of leg pain.

His grandmother noticed the tips of his ears turning blue and he was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with sepsis, the life-threatening blood infection.

He was placed in a coma for three days.

Later, he developed a secondary infection and was induced into a coma again.

His father, Warwick, said: "My wife and I were told to prepare for the worst.

"In life a lot of people take their health for granted, and so did we, but suddenly you realise how fragile it is.

"It makes you focus on what is important in life."

Austin says he is looking forward to trying new things and enjoying life

A keen sportsperson, Austin has swapped hockey for wheelchair tennis and basketball.

He is also rowing with Paralympic gold medallist Rachel Morris.

"I'm just trying so many different things and enjoying life," he said.