HAY-on-Wye’s ‘Chef on the Run’ has urged others struggling to find NHS treatment to speak out after finally having an operation to save his leg.

After 16 months of campaigning, award-winning chef Mike Carnell has had major surgery to prevent his left leg being amputated.

Mike, who runs the Old Stable Tearoom in Hay and the Chef on the Run food company, suffers from a chronic bone-wasting condition called chronic osteomyelitis.

He feared he would lose his leg after struggling to find a hospital willing to perform the complex surgery he needed.

Consultants in Herefordshire, Swansea, Newport, Cardiff, Abergavenny and Birmingham told him they were unable to perform the operation because they either do not have the capacity or the capability.

But, after months of writing letters and making calls, Powys Teaching Health Board agreed to pay for the operation and Mike underwent surgery at Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Mike went under the knife on October 18 and will return for another operation on November 5.

The surgery consisted of removing 7cm of infected bone and fixing a metal brace that will be regularly moved to encourage new bone growth.

It could take two years and more work before Mike will walk again unaided and without pain, but he has no regrets and hopes his story might inspire others to stand up for themselves.

“Every corner I turned I had problems,” said Mike.

“There were times when I thought maybe I should just get the leg amputated and all this would be over. But I didn’t want to lose a leg if there was a chance it could be saved.

“I’m glad I fought. I’d encourage anyone to do the same.

Sometimes you have to shout and keep shouting until someone listens.”

To boost his chances of recovery Mike needs a bone stimulating device that is not available on the NHS.

Thankfully, loyal customers and the Black Mountains Lions group have stepped in and donated the £3,100 he needs. The Hereford branch of the British Red Cross has also given him a wheelchair to use.

Thanking them, Mike said: “That’s another reason people should not suffer in silence.

“There are charities, groups and organisations in every village, town or city that are there to help. It’s better to ask for help than suffer in silence.”

  • The Old Stable Tearoom is now being run by Mike’s wife and remains open as normal. The cafe is currently in the running to win Herefordshire on a Plate in the Taste of Herefordshire Awards, while Chef on the Run’s Herefordshire quince jelly has also been nominated for an award.