Ad
Thursday, September 25, 2025
17.7 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008  U.K. Edition

Scaffolder Receives Life-Changing Double Hand Transplant After Devastating Accident

- Advertisement -

A scaffolder who lost his hands and legs in a horrific building site accident underwent a miraculous double hand transplant. 

Jamie Mines, 38, shared his experience in a new documentary series, “Saving Lives in Leeds,” which premiered on BBC Two earlier this month.

Mines was placed in an induced coma in December 2016 after being electrocuted by 33,000 volts while working beneath powerlines in Swindon. Medics amputated four of his limbs to save his life. 

The father of two described the ordeal to the BBC, saying the electricity “fried” him and that he was surprised to have survived.

After learning about the possibility of hand transplants, Mines contacted Dr. Simon Kay, who performed the rare and complex double operation. Dr. Kay praised Mines’ progress, noting that he had already regained grip strength just a year after surgery. He also emphasised the importance and generosity of limb donations, calling it an “enormous, courageous, generous thing to do.”

To make his new hands feel more like his own, Mines decided to tattoo them. After his recovery, the former semi-professional footballer first held his children’s hands while walking them to school.

Mines, originally from Bradford on Avon, hopes his story will raise awareness about limb donations. He believes that if more people knew about the possibility of donating limbs, they might consider it as a life-changing gift for someone in need.

“Saving Lives in Leeds” follows the daily lives of medical staff working in hospitals across the city. The first of eight episodes, focusing on neurosurgery and transplant patients at Leeds General Infirmary, aired earlier this month and is available to view on BBC iPlayer.

- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Latest Magazine

Most Read This Week

Scaffolding work pipeline shrinks as construction starts drop 22%

Construction project starts have collapsed 22% with contract awards...

AT-PAC accelerates European expansion with strategic German launch

Scaffolding specialist establishes key operations in Germany as part...

Scaffolding industry celebrates at Manchester awards night

The UK scaffolding and access industry gathered in Manchester...

ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester

ScaffEx25 has smashed previous records, drawing nearly 2,400 visitors...

Scottish scaffolding apprentices to compete at ScaffChamp 2026

A team of young scaffolders from Scotland and Northern...

Related Articles

Scaffolders voted UK’s toughest trade

Scaffolders have been crowned the UK’s toughest trade by their fellow workers, according to new research – although the public believes roofers deserve the title. The nationwide study, commissioned by TROJAN workwear, polled tradespeople...
- Advertisements -

Latest Topics

Scaffolders voted UK’s toughest trade

Scaffolders have been crowned the UK’s toughest trade by...

Company fined after worker dies in six-foot scaffold fall

A Lancashire sign-fitting company and its director have been...

ScaffEx25 sets new attendance record in Manchester

ScaffEx25 has smashed previous records, drawing nearly 2,400 visitors...

Scaffolding makes historic debut at WorldSkills Ireland 2025

Young scaffolders showcase their expertise as the trade is...
- Advertisement -