A man who lost both his legs as a result of an illness that nearly killed him will take on the Seaton 5K Parkrun to raise money for the Axminster counselling charity ARC.

Matt Waters, who lives in Seaton, contracted Strep Pneumococcal sepsis in 2022, which laid waste to his body. He was in a coma for 40 days, in intensive care for 60, and was left with damage to his liver and kidneys. As well as having both legs amputated below the knee, he had lost both index fingers and part of his left ear.

After he left hospital Matt had physical rehabilitation treatment from military duo Simon Burgess and Mick Hart of rehab provider UK Bionics, both of whom used to work with injured servicemen out of Headley Court.

But his mind also needed a lot of damage repair, and that was provided by ARC, the counselling charity based at Axminster Medical Practice. Catherine Davies from ARC became Matt’s trauma counsellor, helping him out of the state of depression and despair that had overcome him.

Matt told the Herald: “I don't think it's a stretch to say that ARC saved my life, and they must have done that for countless other people over their history. What a gift to have them in East Devon.”

For this reason Matt has set himself the challenge of completing the Seaton Parkrun on June 15, walking the 5km course, to raise funds for ARC. This will be his longest walk since since losing his legs and having to undergo the painful process of learning to walk on his prosthetics.

He said: “It’s not easy. Each step hurts as your stumps gain conditioning. There is no short cut. But the alternative is being confined to a chair and that isn’t very palatable, for me. So, on we go with the help of Sean and Melissa of the Exeter Mobility Centre. Simon and Mick keep training my body and Catherine keeps training my mind.

“5km is something which would have taken around 25 minutes prior to sepsis showing up. The time will be considerably slower and the effort greatly increased. If you can spare a few pounds for this wonderful charity, then please do. They, quite literally, save lives.”

Matt launched his fundraising appeal on JustGiving nearly a month ago. Messages of support and pledges of cash have flooded in. To read more about his story and/or make a donation, visit JustGiving.com