A SPORTSMAN who asked for his leg to be amputated after years of agony says the operation has 're-started' his life.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Rob Franks, who lives in Poole, had his left leg amputated 10 months ago after enduring seven years of pain caused by a tumour in his knee, nerve damage and a broken bone.

Since then, the 40-year-old has tried wingwalking, appeared in an episode of Casualty and started writing his autobiography, which he hopes will inspire others.

Rob, head coach at Ellingham Cricket Club in the New Forest, said: “Since the operation things have taken a huge turn for the better.

“I can’t describe how happy I am – my life has effectively re-started.”

Rob opted for the privately-funded amputation years after breaking his leg playing cricket. Surgeons repaired the break with pins, plates and a metal rod, but he was left in constant pain.

Friends donated £15,000 for surgery. Its success has meant Rob is living free of pain.

“Three weeks after the operation I visited the naval museum in Portsmouth and saw a climbing wall," he said.

“I nudged my wife Carla and I jokingly said I should have a go.

“A woman standing next to us said I wouldn’t get anywhere, but I climbed the entire wall and abseiled down.

“At that point I knew anything was possible.

“Eight weeks after the amputation I was fitted with my new prosthetic leg and took to it so well - I was back playing cricket two weeks later.

“I did better than I had done for many years, which shows how much the pain I was in before was holding me back.

“I also registered with an acting agency for people with disabilities and was put forward for a role in Casualty.”

Rob, who played a dead drug addict in the show, said: “My wife and I watch Casualty every week and I’d always wanted to appear on the show.

“Rubbing shoulders with all the actors was pretty crazy.”

He also tried wingwalking for his 40th birthday.

“It was such an adrenalin rush and something I’d never have thought possible," he said.

“I was standing on top of a double-winged plane flying at 125mph – great fun.”

Now Rob has landed his “dream job” – a support and outreach worker helping homeless people as well as those with mental health issues.