General News
22 July, 2025
Retiree back on his feet
AT 88 years of age, Colin Andreassen is one of the oldest patients at Cairns Hospital to undergo a leg amputation.
The Rocky Point retiree required below-knee amputation surgery due to carcinoma, but he has refused to let his leg loss rule the rest of his life.
“I don’t give up easily,” Mr Andreassen said.
After more than 100 days in the hospital – including many weeks of rehabilitation – he is now rocking a new prosthetic leg that he has jokingly nicknamed ‘Crocodile’.
“I had a kid come up to me and ask what happened to my leg,” he said.
“I told him a croc had gotten it. He thought that was great.”
Thanks to support from the Cairns Hospital rehabilitation team, Mr Andreassen has now mastered the use of his prosthetic limb, including standing unassisted and getting in and out of his car.
He advised others facing amputation to stay calm, listen to the experts and keep pushing forward.
“You may think it’s the end of the world, but if you take notes of what the people in the hospital are telling you, you’ll be back on your feet in no time,” he said. “The nurses and rehab team at the hospital are unbelievable.”
Mr Andreassen thanked his family and friends, particularly his partner Kelly, for their support and Dr Sherab Buhtia and his vascular surgery team for their clinical expertise.
He received lots of messages of support on Facebook.
Jason Dwyer said: “On ya Col, we have to catch up for a beer.”
Paula Letourneur said Mr Andreasson was “an inspiration … well done you”.
“This is a great positive story, well done Colin and best wishes for the future and great work and thanks to all our wonderful hospital workers,” said David Jacobson.
Leanne Pascoe said Mr Andreasson was finally going home. “Your cousin Pat will have to travel a bit further to visit you. Good news you’re finally home bound,” she said.
Ed and Sonia Lukin said it was “great news”.
“Long time no see, will have to catch up for a beer,” they said.
“Good on you Col, such a great hospital,” said Lee-Anne Witte.
Janet Petersen said her sister recently spent four months in the rehabilitation ward after a stroke.
“What a great team of people they are,” she said.
