101-year-old from Irchester back on his feet after emergency hip operation in Kettering

Great grandfather George Saxby, from Irchester, has taken his first few steps using a zimmer frame after having the operation a month ago.

Mr Saxby – who has two children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren - is well known in the local area for running the GA Saxby and Son butchers shop in High Street, Rushden, from 1946 to 1982, a business started by his father, also called George, in 1919.

On May 7 Mr Saxby had to be rushed to hospital when a fall at his home left him with a hip fracture.

He had emergency surgery to repair the broken bone during a two-hour operation on May 8 - less than 24 hours after his admission to the hospital.

Within a week of his operation, he was able to get to his feet, with assistance, and stand using a zimmer frame.

It is hoped that after his operation, he will be able to return to his pre-admission mobility status - which was mobilising independently using a zimmer frame.

Orthopaedic consultant Mr Shabih Siddiqui and orthopaedic registrar Mr Herbert Gbejuade carried out Mr Saxby’s operation and have been very pleased with his remarkable progress.

Mr Siddiqui said: “Mr Saxby sustained a break in the major bone of his hip joint and the operation performed was to realign the broken parts of bone and then we pinned and plated them in place.

“This type of injury is a very serious one for an elderly person and the recuperation period tends to be extensive.

“Mr Saxby has surpassed all expectations in terms of recovery and mobility.

“A positive mental attitude is absolutely vital for recovery back to health because many elderly people get demotivated during the rehabilitation period.

“Mr Saxby certainly has that necessary positive attitude.”

Mr Gbejuade said: “Mr Saxby is a very pleasant, stoic and observant gentleman.

“This is very beneficial to his care and rehabilitation as he is able to appropriately express his needs and his concerns – something which is often a difficulty for the elderly.

“His good rapport with staff and other patients in his bay makes interacting with him a joy.”

Mr Saxby’s daughter, Patricia Swords, from Irchester, said: “It is hard to think of dad as 101.

“He has a great sense of humour and great determination.

“It would never occur to him that he would not get better.”

His son, Tony Saxby, from Wellingborough, said: “My sister and I would like to express our lasting gratitude to the surgeons and staff at Kettering General Hospital.

“Their dedication and the care, help, and support they have given my father has been exceptional.

“As regards his plans he hopes to return home, after some further rehabilitation, with suitable help, even if stairs may prove to be too much now.”

Sister Eileen Collyer looked after Mr Saxby during his month-long stay on Barnwell B ward – he was discharged from hospital to community rehabilitation on Friday, June 10.

She said: “George is a real gentleman.

“He has a great sense of humour and we have all admired his recovery.

“It is not often you see someone of his age do so well.

“He had his 101st birthday on the ward on May 21 and was visited by his relatives and friends.

“Staff on the ward also got him a cake.

“He has been quite an inspiration to us all.”

Mr Saxby is a widower who lost his wife, Sheila, in 2013 after 56 years of marriage.