Laing was told his long-term mobility could be affected by the recent surgery. “The best possible outcome would be walking without too much discomfort.” A doctor said he may lose his foot if the infection continued. Laing was discharged last week and given intravenous antibiotics and daily home nursing support to dress his wound. The ordeal had been very distressing and had left him a “basket-case”, Laing said. He was extremely concerned about his future ability to work and look after his intellectually disabled adult son, who was “100 per cent dependent” on him. The health nightmare began on December 15 when he ruptured his Achilles tendon, tearing it from the bone, while wheeling a vacuum cleaner downstairs.