Craig Mackinlay has said he intends to seek re-election in his constituency in Kent. Photo from NDTV
Craig Mackinlay, a UK Member of Parliament (MP), announced his intention to run for re-election in his Kent constituency. Mackinlay, often referred to as the "Bionic MP," received a warm reception in Parliament as he made his first appearance since undergoing quadruple amputations due to sepsis.
In a poignant moment, MPs applauded Mackinlay as he took his seat in the House of Commons before Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's weekly question and answer session. Mackinlay, a 57-year-old Conservative MP, spent 16 days in a medically induced coma after being rushed to the hospital in September. He then underwent amputation of his hands and feet in December.
Despite the challenges, Mackinlay has shown remarkable resilience and determination. He has been fitted with prosthetic hands and legs, allowing him to return to his duties as an MP. Both Sunak and Labour leader Keir Starmer commended Mackinlay for his courage and determination in overcoming such adversity.
Acknowledging the warm reception from his colleagues, Mackinlay expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support throughout his ordeal. He also thanked the medical staff who played a crucial role in his recovery, with many of them present in the public gallery to witness his return to Parliament.
Mackinlay's return to Parliament was described as an emotional day for him. However, he humorously apologized for not adhering to parliamentary dress code by wearing trainers instead of shoes, as his prosthetic feet made it impossible to wear traditional footwear. Additionally, he mentioned his inability to wear a jacket over his prosthetic arm.
Sepsis, the condition that led to Mackinlay's amputations, is a life-threatening response to infection. It occurs when the body's immune system overreacts, causing damage to tissues and organs. The UK Sepsis Trust reports that 245,000 people in Britain are affected by sepsis annually, resulting in at least 48,000 deaths.
In a recent interview, Mackinlay recounted his harrowing experience with sepsis. He described how his body turned a strange blue color within half an hour of arriving at the hospital, signaling septic shock. Doctors gave him only a five percent chance of surviving the induced coma.
Upon waking from the coma, Mackinlay discovered that his limbs had turned completely black and appeared lifeless. Despite the devastating prognosis, he remained remarkably composed when doctors informed him of the need for amputations. Fortunately, his arms and legs were amputated above the elbows and knees, allowing him to retain some mobility.
Reflecting on his experience, Mackinlay expressed gratitude for surviving such a traumatic ordeal. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about the future. His return to Parliament serves as a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
