A CROSSHILL woman who narrowly survived after a terrifying battle with sepsis has become the first person in the UK to be fitted with a Michelangelo bionic arm.

Marguerite Henderson’s horrific ordeal began in 2018 when she complained of feeling unwell after suffering a paper cut.

Doctors at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital told the then 55-year-old that she was suffering from sepsis as they attempted to ascertain what it would mean for the Fifer.

Eventually it was determined that Marguerite would lose both of her legs and one of her arms, while a surgeon told the former family support worker that she would have to begin fundraising as living without the limbs would require a lot of expensive equipment.

Two years on from that fateful episode, she is now living independently in a specially built annex at her daughter’s home and she has now received the bionic arm which she hopes will improve her quality of life.

Speaking to the Times last week, Marguerite said: “I’ve been very privileged to be the first person in the United Kingdom to receive The Michelangelo Bionic Arm on the NHS, as it had been too expensive up until now but luckily it came down in price enough for them to get.

“It is programmed just for me, using a laptop, to pick up the signals from my brain and the nerves in my arm.

“This fascinating procedure was undertaken by my prosthesis Vincent MacEachen, at WestMARC, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow.

“My home, built only because of the generosity of the people who fundraisers for me, will always be top of my list as the most important thing in my ability to live as independently as I can, but my new arm will hopefully enhance that and make me even more independent.”

Doctors in Glasgow have told Marguerite that she is exceeding their expectations for working with the arm, while she recounts the generosity the whole Fife community showed her following her ordeal.

Tens of thousands of pounds were raised by the community which helped convert her daughter’s home.

Since then, Marguerite has also released a book detailing the nightmare, and remains thankful for what she has in life.

She said: “2018 will always be the year that will stick in my mind forever. Not just because I developed sepsis and lost my limbs, but because I realised money and possessions don’t matter.

“It’s being surrounded by my family, friends and living in the most amazing community that counts.

“However 2020, will be remembered by everyone, not just me, as we’ve all had to adapt to living in the midst of a pandemic.

“But for me, I’ll remember it also, as the year my book was published, I got a new grandson and to finish it off, with me getting my bionic arm, there is definitely still lots to celebrate.

“If it wasn’t for all of the community I would not be where I am today without their fundraising – it is so appreciated.

“The NHS have been amazing and continue to be, too.”