Bert Newton says he’s ‘overwhelmed’ by support received after leg amputation

TV legend Bert Newton has thanked fans for their “overwhelming” support since he underwent the lifesaving surgery.

Australian TV legend Bert Newton has spoken for the first time since undergoing a lifesaving operation resulting in the amputation of his leg.

Newton, 82, said he was overwhelmed by the love and support he had received since the procedure was performed at Melbourne’s Epworth Hospital last Saturday.

“This is my first week and I seem to be getting through it,” Newton said.

“The amount of care and love I’ve received from everyone has been overwhelming.

“All I want to say is thank you to everyone.”

Newton’s wife Patti has been by his side during the ordeal and he is visited regularly by his adored grandchildren Sam, Eva, Lola, Monty, Perla and Alby.

Family is what spurred Newton to make the difficult decision to undergo the amputation.

“He has so much to live for he will do his utmost to make this work,” Patti said.

Bert Newton celebrating his 80th birthday with grandchildren Sam 10, Monty 2, Lola 6 and Eva 9. Picture: David Caird

“He is lucky, he has got family all around him. The grandkids mean the world to him,” she said.

“We have been together for over 50 years and you just want to get as much out of it (life) as you can in the latter years.

“You don’t want anything to happen to either of you.”

Newton, who has been in hospital for seven weeks, had undergone three small operations in recent weeks to try and fix the damage to his tight foot and leg, which stemmed from a toe infection in summer.

The procedures did not work which led to him making the life or death decision to amputate.

Newton is now on the long, slow and steady road to recovery.

He is expected to remain in hospital for several more weeks.