Cricketer is 'looking forward' to leg amputation

An amateur cricketer said he was "looking forward" to having his leg amputated so he could return to playing.

Isaac Elles, who plays for Great Waltham, Essex, needs the life-changing surgery to prevent a blood-vessel disorder worsening.

But the 20-year-old's return to the pitch depends on him raising £80,000 for a prosthetic limb.

"I tell all my friends I can't wait for the amputation and they all think I'm mad," he said, describing his pain as "agony".

Elles was unable to train during the winter due to the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) he has lived with on his toe since the age of three.

AVMs occur when blood flows directly from an artery into a vein, instead of passing through capillaries, and can cause deadly bleeds and stroke.

Elles told Victoria Polley on BBC Essex's Around the Wicket show that his circulation issues were putting pressure on his heart.

During cricket matches, he was having to sit down or rest on one knee while fielding to alleviate the pain.

"It's frustrating that it's had to come to this situation but it's going to improve my life a lot more," he said of the amputation.

"So I'm looking forward to it."

He had been able to tolerate the condition until the age of 14 when, after several operations, the pain worsened.

The amputation has been scheduled for 28 April.

Elles said: "I'm in pain getting up, going to the GP surgery or getting in the shower; I'm pretty much screaming in agony.

"It's so frustrating and I just can't wait [for surgery]."

His prosthetic leg fundraiser has been supported by friends, family and rival cricket clubs.

Elles said getting his whites back on would "mean the world".

He added: "It fuels me day-to-day knowing I can watch the team and as soon as I get back on the pitch it's going to be so much fun."

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.