Man sharing amputation journey 'a lot less alone'

Tommy Hurrell decided on an amputation after having surgery multiple times on his foot without any success

A man who has had his foot amputated says he feels "a lot less alone" after sharing his experience on social media.

To try and raise awareness Tommy Hurrell, 20, from Deal in Kent, documented the period before and after he had his left leg amputated below the knee.

"I just wanted to try and be a voice for those who maybe haven't got the courage to speak up about the struggles that come with being an amputee," he said.

Mr Hurrell, who was born with spina bifida - caused when a baby's spine does not develop properly in the womb, had had multiple unsuccessful surgeries to correct issues with his foot.

In an Instagram video after the amputation, Mr Hurrell said he was "legless on painkillers" initially but was "already off on the right foot".

People with a wide range of disabilities have been getting in contact with Mr Hurrell to offer support following his surgery on 1 October, he said.

"I have had countless conversations with people with disabilities, not just amputees but everyone as a whole, and it's been really nice to hear people out and listen to them and speak to them and relate to their issues," he said.

Mr Hurrell has had more than two million views on one of the videos he posted on social media.

Mr Hurrell said: "It's an absolute insane amount of support which is really good and makes me feel a lot less alone in this new beginning."

The community he has found online has been "really great, because my family have found it so tough to see me go through this", he said.

"It's been 10 days now and I haven't been alone a single day."

Mr Hurrell says he expects to remain in hospital for another six weeks for rehabilitation before returning home.