'I have no regrets whatsoever' – how a double leg amputation opened up this cyclist's horizons
A rare condition made Tom Staniford's legs so painful he chose to get rid of them. After learning how to walk again, he's now eyeing a bike racing return
Tom Staniford, a former British para-cycling champion, has undergone a double leg amputation due to a rare genetic condition called MDP syndrome. The condition affects around 20 people worldwide and causes his legs to be unbearably tight, with warped bones and deteriorated feet prone to infection. Despite the risks and challenges, Staniford insisted on the amputation and has found it has opened up new horizons in his life.
His first amputation, of his right leg, took place on 21 May 2025, and he returned five months later for surgery on his left leg. Staniford has since named his residual limbs Trevor and Roger and is learning to walk again using prosthetics. His first attempt at walking involved taking small steps and using a tail walker for support.
Recently, he completed a 5km Parkrun, finishing the distance in 1 hour and 41 minutes, a significant improvement from his previous performance.
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