WARNING, GRAPHIC IMAGES: Matt Davies from Marsden in Staffordshire, was electrocuted while preparing for lunch service in a restaurant – and had to have his arm amputated
A chef was forced to have his left arm amputated after suffering an electric shock while preparing lunch, despite doctors performing over 70 surgeries in a bid to save it.
Matt Davies, 56, had his arm “blown to pieces” in a horrifying accident while getting ready for the lunchtime rush at a restaurant. He was hit by a shocking 32amps of electricity and was immediately rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. There, he spent three weeks undergoing numerous surgeries in an attempt to save and reconstruct his arm.
The father-of-three has since had to endure more than 70 operations due to recurring infections. However, in April 2024, seven years after the accident, Matt’s arm had to be amputated from the elbow down as the infection became too severe.
Despite living with constant chronic pain, Matt has managed to raise over £100k for charities by hosting dinners with renowned chefs. Matt, from Marsden, Staffordshire, recalled: “I was electrocuted at work by 32 amps. It blew my arm to pieces. My left arm – it was my arm. It was me. Getting over the amputation – I don’t know if I’ll ever get over it.”
Before the incident, Matt had spent 40 years working as a chef and was running six restaurants in Staffordshire. He doesn’t remember much about the accident that took place in October 2017 but was rushed to hospital where his arm was rebuilt using skin grafts from his thigh. Matt added: “My left leg is like a zebra crossing.” Although doctors were able to reconstruct his arm, they couldn’t make it usable again, forcing Matt to give up his beloved career.
After being discharged from the hospital, Matt was diagnosed with a rare condition known as complex regional pain syndrome. He revealed: “I’m in horrendous pain all the time. It’s a pain that radiates in my left arm and affects all the left side of my body.”
The past seven years have seen Matt in a constant battle with his health, enduring repeated hospital stays due to numerous infections, leading to further surgeries. In a particularly harrowing episode in 2022, he nearly died after losing four pints of blood following surgery.
Reflecting on his deteriorating condition, he said: “As the years progressed it got worse and worse. In 2022 I was in hospital for four months of that year.” April 2024 marked a turning point when a severe infection resulted in the amputation of his left arm.
Describing the ordeal, Matt said: “It was a horrible decision. It was the hardest day of my life. The pain was unlike anything I’ve ever felt. It still haunts me today. I still feel very angry. I’m a proper lefty – having that taken away is horrendous.”
Despite the challenges, Matt, along with his wife Tina, aged 57, and their family, remain thankful to Dr. Col Mark Foster, who they credit with saving Matt’s life. To give back, Matt was inspired to start hosting dinners to raise funds for charities that supported him, kicking off his first event in 2019. He has since hosted dinners featuring Michelin-starred chef Tom Shepherd, raising up to £16k in one evening for causes like Fisher House and the University Hospital Birmingham.
Looking ahead, Matt has already lined up events for this year, including one with MasterChef The Professionals finalist Louisa Ellis and his annual “great Brummie menu” gathering.
Matt revealed: “My wife says at these dinners she gets her husband back.” He admitted: “I find it super emotional.” I’m turning a very horrendous incident into a positive thing by giving something back,” Matt stated.
Despite still grappling with his health issues and having recently been hospitalised with another infection – a result of his complex regional pain syndrome – Matt may need further surgeries. He humbly shared: “People say they find it inspiring which is humbling to me.”
Matt offered words of wisdom: “Times can get dark but you can ask for help. You’ve got two choices – do something or you don’t.” Matt concluded: “It’s how you perceive your life now.”
