Former world martial arts champion thanks Peterborough hospital staff as he learns to walk again following leg amputation

Former British, European & World Martial Arts Champion Dave Mears (59) has thanked staff at Peterborough City Hospital for helping him learn to walk again following a leg amputation.

Dave has persevered through a series of health challenges over the last two years that have ultimately seen him lose his left leg above the knee to an infection called Osteomyelitis.

He was first admitted to hospital with the life-threatening illness before later returning for rehabilitation, where the staff are helping him to learn to walk again with a hi-tech prosthetic leg worth over £3000.

Dave, who now lives in Bourne after spending three months in hospital and undergoing four major operations, said: “All the staff have been absolutely marvellous and the aftercare was been faultless.

"They have been a big support to me because the whole process has been very tough both physically and mentally. I have tremendous gratitude.

Now that Dave is starting to get back on his feet, he has been able to return to one of his passions- photography.

Alongside winning several world titles and representing the Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain as Dave “Machine Gun” Mears, he has held several jobs in a varied career including Paratrooper in the Army Parachute Regiment and media manager in Bangkok. He has also done photo shoots with several famous faces including former Snooker legend Jimmy “The Whirlwind” White.

He is now happy to be voluntarily photographing Bourne Town and Peterborough Women’s (who are based at Bourne’s Abbey Lawn ground) matches.

He added: “I love photography. It is great for my mental health. That's what the nurses spoke about, not sitting at home and getting depressed and I said, that’s just not me.

"I’ve had a great life and I’m still standing. The phrase I always remember is what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.

“Being involved with Posh Women in particular is so great because of all they and Bobby Copping do for mental health awareness.

"I know what it’s like trying to emerge and be seen. I spent so long trying to get an agent only to be told there was no money in martial arts. So, I like to help raise their profile wherever I can. They’re a great side.”