Bragg’s split after 44 years
At last Chris is able to unlock door
BRITAIN’S first double hand transplant patient has finally got his freedom back – thanks to the arrival of a parcel at his front door.
Chris King, 58, lost all eight fingers in a horrific work accident five years ago. Only his thumbs remained.
But he says that since the groundbreaking op in July 2016, life has been “like a marvellous fairground ride”.
He has held his niece’s hand, written a thank you to his surgeon, applauded his rugby league team and even raised a pint.
But until now, opening his front door with the key had beaten him every time.
Delighted Chris said: “I’ve got my freedom back. The reason it’s taken so long is the key pushes against my index finger and it was painful.
“But the other day Amazon came with some parcels and I thought ‘I’m going to give it another go’.
“I tried the key and it worked. I screamed, ‘I’ve done it. I’ve done it for the first time.
“The delivery man seemed a bit taken aback. I told him I lost my hands in 2013 and got new ones on 2016 and he just said ‘Wow, that’s brilliant’.”
Chris’s new-found ability has given him confidence and independence. He added: “It takes the pressure off my sister, Amanda, who’s my full-time carer.
“I used to have to shout to her if I wanted the door opened but now I can leave her in peace.”
Chris, from Rossington, South Yorks, said things have improved so much he’s started a wish list of cities to visit and regularly goes on day trips on the train.
He added: “I can use a teacup now too. I still have to be careful because they have such little handles.
“It’s tremendous really and I’m getting better all the time.”
The Leeds Rhinos fan, who plans to write all his own cards this Christmas, lost his hands when a brake failed on a metal press.
He was trapped for six minutes before firstaiders arrived. The transplant was at Leeds General Infirmary by Prof Simon Kay. The plastic surgeon, who believes the op could become as routine as a kidney swap, said he was amazed to receive Chris’s handwritten thank you letter.
He added: “He’s proved to be, as he proved right at the beginning, a very robust, resilient patient. He’s well ahead of our expectations.” New hands in 2016 MELVIN Bragg’s 44-year marriage was ended yesterday after two years of “separation by consent”.
The broadcaster, 79, and wife Catherine Haste were granted a decree nisi at the Central Family Court, London, in their absence.
Lord Bragg was host of The South Bank Show.