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Cobbler’s Remarkable Thumb Reconstruction Uses Big Toe

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

David Lee, a cobbler from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, had his thumb reconstructed with one of his big toes after a 2019 workplace accident.
Surgeons at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre performed the procedure.
In 2026, Lee discussed the procedure on BBC Radio Derby, expressing gratitude for the return to his craft.
Lee said the toe has become part of him, reducing concern about others noticing it.

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Story summary

David Lee, a cobbler from Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, had his thumb reconstructed with one of his big toes after a 2019 workplace accident.
Surgeons at the Pulvertaft Hand Centre performed the procedure.
In 2026, Lee discussed the procedure on BBC Radio Derby, expressing gratitude for the return to his craft.
Lee said the toe has become part of him, reducing concern about others noticing it.