Quadruple amputee Jason ‘Buddy’ Miller takes first steps on new legs

Northern beaches amputee Buddy Miller’s life was turned upside down when a life-threatening illness resulted in the loss of both his hands and feet. Now he’s amazing everyone with his progress. VIDEO: SEE BUDDY WALK.

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Quadruple amputee Jason Miller, known to many as Buddy, took his first steps this week on his new legs — and it was an overwhelming moment.

The single father, who works on the Manly ferry, was struck down by a life-threatening illness in October. He survived but the infection caused gangrene in his hands and feet and there was no other option but to amputate.

Buddy Miller’s new legs. Picture: Julian Andrews.

“It was a little overwhelming to be standing again after so long,” Mr Miller said.

“It was a strange feeling and I kept thinking I was going to fall back.”

After more than 100 days at Northern Beaches Hospital he has been an inpatient at Mona Vale Hospital’s Beachside Rehabilitation Centre for a month.

The facility has a gym where he has been working at building up his strength.

Physiotherapist Imogen Birch helping Buddy Miller to put on his new prosthetic legs at the Beachside Rehabilitation Centre at Mona Vale Hospital. Picture: Julian Andrews.

“I’ve been working really hard asking for extra exercises,” Mr Miller said.

Jasmine Gilchrist, a rehabilitation specialist, said Mr Miller was determined and had achieved extraordinary results already, especially as he couldn’t even lift his arms in the air when he first arrived.

She said his muscles had deteriorated significantly while he was in a hospital bed for four months.

Physiotherapist Imogen Birch adjusts Buddy’s legs at Mona Vale Hospital’s rehab centre. Picture: Julian Andrews.

“He really has progressed well,” she said. “He doesn’t quite believe it yet but I am positive he will be able to drive and be quite independent by the time he leaves. He’s going to go on a live a very full life.”

Mr Miller said being able to use the wheelchair to go outside and look at the ocean was an amazing feeling, after being so dependent on others. He had gone out on several outings including a trip on the Manly ferry, by taking a taxi to the wharf and then his wheelchair on the ferry.

Standing tall: From left, physiotherapist Imogen Birch, Buddy Miller and occupational therapist Grace Hosegood. Picture: Julian Andrews.

He’s also learning how to eat with utensils he can strap on his stumps.

On his first meal in public at Pittwater RSL he chose fish and chips. “I didn’t even get tartare sauce down my shirt,” he said.

To support Buddy go to gofundme.com/ourbestbuddy.