A FOOTBALL referee spent 47 days in hospital and had to have his leg amputated due to a life-threatening infection.

Scott Knight, a B&Q delivery driver from Kidderminster, who is known for his involvement in local grassroots football, was hospitalised after a diabetic ulcer burst in his foot.

Mr Knight, who has Type 2 diabetes, said he was rushed to hospital in July and was told he urgently needed to have a toe removed. 

The toe was amputated, but Mr Knight was later hit with the devastating news that the infection had spread. He was told he would have to have a below-the-knee amputation to save his life.

"That was so scary," he said.

"And still after that was done I wasn't well at all."

Mr Knight was eventually discharged from Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Tuesday (September 17), his 55th birthday, and returned to his home on Peel Street.

Mr Knight, who has worked as a Worcestershire FA referee for more than 20 years, is currently using a wheelchair and says he will have to wait at least six months for a prosthetic leg.

He said: "It's not been easy. I'm scared of what the future's going to hold.

"It's completely changed my life and I'm in a wheelchair at the moment.

"My lifestyle has got to change.

"It's cruel what's happening. I have never drunk, I don't smoke. I have always been active for 25 years.

"It's just been a massive blow for me".

Scott Knight has worked as a referee with the Worcestershire FAScott Knight has worked as a referee with the Worcestershire FA (Image: Eamon Doherty)

Despite the amputation, Mr Knight has said he's determined to return to work and referee football matches once again.

He added: "The goal is to get back into the football. Going forward, I have just got to remain positive".

Kidderminster residents have rallied together to support Mr Knight, including his friend Eamon Doherty, who has described him as a "proud" man who has "done a lot for the community."

Ryan Rothwell has launched a fundraiser to "give back to a man who has given so much to us, our children, and the community."

He said: "For 26 years, Scott has been a dedicated grassroots football referee, coaching and mentoring young players, from boys to men.

"Throughout his career, Scott has given countless hours to the community, always there to guide, support, and inspire.

"Unfortunately, after a long battle with diabetes, Scott has lost his leg due to infection. This means he will no longer be able to referee which he has dedicated his life to".

The fundraiser has raised more than £700 so far. People can donate to the fundraiser here. 

He added: "All funds raised will go directly to Scott, whose life and work have been deeply impacted by this situation.

"As a grassroots community, let’s show our support and make a difference when it’s needed most. Let’s be there for Scott, just as he’s always been there for us".

A charity event is being planned to further support Mr Knight, where four teams will play football to raise some extra funds and show appreciation for his grassroots background.

This will take place on October 26 at Brown Westhead Park in Wolverley.