'Coming home means everything after year in hospital'

A man who spent a year in hospital after having his leg amputated due to a life-threatening sepsis infection has said it meant "everything" to return home for Christmas.

David Taylor, 57, had been in Pontefract Hospital since December 2024 and was due to leave last January.

He was unable to go home because his wheelchair would not fit through his doorways and he was unable to get new social housing.

The grandfather-of-seven received a leg prosthetic six weeks ago, which finally allowed him to return home to Knottingley.

He said: "I was left there to rot. If it wasn't for me and the physios having faith in me I wouldn't have got to this point where I'm home.

"If it were left up to other people I would still be there.

"I've been away from my wife for near enough a whole year and no one should have to go through that."

Mr Taylor first became unwell in November 2024 when his chest infection turned into sepsis that required five emergency operations at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

In December he was moved to Pontefract Hospital for recovery.

While in hospital he was offered supported accommodation by Wakefield Council but turned it down because he wanted to live independently with his wife.

The couple said they applied for more than 80 properties through local housing association Vico Homes, but despite being in the highest priority group, they had no luck.

Mr Taylor's home would need to be adapted in the short term, and the couple would eventually need somewhere more suited to his needs, they said.

Wakefield Council was contacted but did not wish to provide a comment. Vico Homes also said they would not be providing a comment.

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