A woman has been able to walk down the aisle thanks to groundbreaking surgery after a motorcycle accident left a 10cm gap in her femur.

Melanie Waterhouse, 58, from Uckfield, was involved in a serious collision in 2023, resulting in multiple injuries and the loss of part of her left femur (thigh bone).

Her surgeons said they “used a state-of-the-art bone transport method to fill the gap in Melanie’s leg.”

He says he is in constant pain and cannot work or participate in normal activities.

In July, Ms Waterhouse married husband Andy, whom she met through his motorcycle group, and walked him down the aisle with both of their sons.

She said: “I was feeling very emotional that day but our wedding day was absolutely amazing with so much love, joy and happiness.

“My boys were absolutely amazing, and with their love, support, and strong arms, I was able to walk down the aisle, albeit slowly, and I was thrilled to be able to do it despite the pain.”

Surgeons from the Sussex Orthopedic Treatment Center at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath said they “used a state-of-the-art bone transport method to fill the gap in Melanie’s leg.”

Mr Enis Güryel, consultant trauma and orthopedic surgeon and clinical lead for trauma and orthopedics, explained: “The innovative aspect of this surgery is that this device will be inside the bone, not outside the skin.

“This new technology is less invasive and offers faster recovery time, reducing patient pain, discomfort and risk of infection.”

Ms Waterhouse admits she will never ride a motorbike again but is focused on returning to her previous activities.

“The bone transplant procedure is working well and I hope to make a good recovery,” he said.

“I know my future is very secure thanks to my husband’s care and support, so despite everything that’s going on, the future is definitely looking brighter.”