Dad-of-five stung by Portuguese man o' war may lose leg but 'lucky to be alive' after horrific attack
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A dad-of-five may lose his leg after being stung by a Portuguese man o' war - but is 'lucky to be alive' after suffering horrific injuries.
John Atkin, from New South Wales in Australia, was left in intense pain as a result of the sting - when the bottom half of his leg turned black and purple.
He was at the beach with his children for an afternoon swim when it happened.
Shocking pictures show the injuries he suffered, which have forced him to undergo five operations.
Despite being treated with antibiotics, the aggressive infection has continued to spread, and he has suffered huge amounts of dead tissue.
(Image: GoFundMe)
(Image: GoFundMe)
(Image: Moment RF)
A fundraising page set up to support his family said Mr Atkin is lucky to be alive.
Amanda Campbell, who set up the page, wrote: "The seriousness of this infection is life threatening and in majority of cases can result in amputation.
"Drs are confident that John will not loose his leg but he is still has a long way to go, with countless operations still to come, rehab, undetermined time still in hospital, skin graphs, medications, and many months off work."
He suffered the sting on New Year's Day, and two weeks later was transferred to a hospital in Sydney so he could receive specialist care.
(Image: GoFundMe)
(Image: GoFundMe)
Ms Campbell said the experience has been 'extremely and emotionally draining' Mr Atkin's wife Kylie and his children.
He is suffering from Vibrio Vulnificus infection, a rare but dangerous infection which is caused by marine bacteria.
Mr Atkin has since returned home with his family, but are reliant on donations to fund his treatment while he is out of work.