Woman walks down aisle after horrific leg break

A woman has managed to walk down the aisle thanks to pioneering surgery, after a motorbike crash left her with a 10cm (4 inch) gap in her thigh bone.

Melanie Waterhouse, 58, from Uckfield was involved in a serious collision in 2023, resulting in multiple injuries and the loss of part of her left femur (thigh bone).

Her surgeons said they had "employed a cutting-edge bone transport method to fill the gap in Melanie’s leg".

She says she has been left in constant pain and unable to work or engage in her usual activities.

In July, Ms Waterhouse married her husband, Andy, who she met through her motorbike group, and walked down the aisle with both her sons at her side.

She said: “I was feeling very emotional on the day, but our wedding day was absolutely amazing with so much love, joy and happiness.

“My boys were absolutely amazing, and with their love, support and strong arms, I managed to walk down the aisle albeit slowly, and was thrilled that I managed despite being in pain.”

Surgeons from Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath said they "employed a cutting-edge bone transport method to fill the gap in Melanie’s leg".

Mr Enis Guryel, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon and clinical lead for trauma & orthopaedics, explained: “What is innovative about this surgery is this device rather than being on the outside of the skin, is going to be on the inside of the bone.

"This new technology is less invasive, and boasts a faster recovery time, reducing patient pain, discomfort, and risk of infection."

Ms Waterhouse acknowledges that she will never ride a motorcycle again but is focused on regaining her previous activities.

“The bone transport procedure is working well and I’m hoping to make a good recovery," she said.

"I know my future is very secure with my husband’s care and support, so the future is definitely looking brighter despite everything that has happened."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.