Schoolboy, 14, nearly has leg amputated after catching flesh-eating disease jumping into lake during heatwave

By ROBERT FOLKER, NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:36, 1 July 2026 | Updated: 19:39, 1 July 2026 A schoolboy nearly lost his leg as a result of a flesh-eating disease which he caught after jumping into a lake with friends to cool off during a heatwave. Jacob Butler, 14, was left with a horrific leg wound when he decided to take a dip in a lake known as the Blue Lagoon, in Colliers Moss Park, Cheshire. As he jumped into the water, his right leg got caught on a piece of wire, cutting it down to the bone just below his knee. The nasty gash later became infected with a rare disease called necrotising fasciitis, which can prove to be life-threatening. Jacob has now been left with a 15cm chunk of muscle missing from his leg but was told he was lucky to avoid it being amputated. His mother, Rebecca Butler, 33, believed that disease would take her son's life. 'The whole ordeal has been devastating for me as a mum,' she said. 'I honestly thought he was going to die, and to be told he could have if I hadn't brought him to the hospital keeps me up at night. Jacob Butler, 14, pictured with his doctors after he was left with a 15 cm hole in his leg after it became infected with a flesh-eating disease The nasty gash became infected with a rare disease called necrotising fasciitis, which can prove to be life-threatening Jacob has now been left with a 15cm chunk of muscle missing from his leg but was told he was lucky to avoid it being amputated 'At one point there were what looked like 30 doctors and surgeons in the room all discussing his leg. 'All the worst-case scenarios were flying around my head. 'Jacob's leg is deformed and now will be for the rest of his life, the accident is just tragic. 'We would like to raise awareness for the dangers of water, as we never want anyone to have to go through what Jacob has been through.' Jacob had been playing with friends on the evening of Thursday, April 30, when he phoned his dad, Ashley Butler, 37, telling him he had an 'accident' and it was 'really bad'. Paramedics rushed to the lake, and the teenager was airlifted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Before the emergency services arrived, a nearby fisherman came to Jacob's aid and wrapped his leg in a T-shirt, reducing the blood flow. The mother-of-two said the fisherman's actions ultimately saved her son's life as well as his leg from being amputated. Jacob underwent emergency surgery the following morning to remove the signs of infection and stitch his leg back up. He was discharged a couple of days later. But on May 13, Ms Butler noticed his leg smelled like 'rotting flesh' and took him back to A&E. She added: 'It smelt like death, it was horrific. 'I was concerned and took him to the hospital, and doctors told me his leg was infected with a flesh-eating disease. 'It was terrifying, as they told me if I hadn't come in when I did it could have been life-threatening. 'But the doctors did a great job looking after him.' Jacob Butler being transfered into the air ambulance after a nearby fisherman came to Jacob's aid and wrapped his leg in a T-shirt, reducing the blood flow The lake known as the Blue Lagoon, in Colliers Moss Park, Cheshire, where Jacob went swimminh Jacob then underwent five hours of surgery to remove the infection. Ms Butler said: 'Afterwards the doctor told me the bug had eaten around 15 cm of flesh. 'It was just his bare bone underneath, with no tissue left at all after they scooped the infection out. 'He said he could fit his whole hand and half his arm behind his skin. 'Jacob has a long road to recovery, but he will get there as he is improving daily, and we are so proud of him. 'I don't think Jacob has processed it yet, though he has had days where he wanted to give up. Ms Butler said doctors told her that Aeromonas Hydrophila had caused the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis to form on his leg. Necrotising fasciitis, also known as the 'flesh-eating disease', is a rare and life-threatening infection of the deeper layers of your skin, according to the NHS. Aeromonas Hydrophila is a bacterium found in brackish water like lakes and rivers and commonly enters the body through cuts to the skin. Jacob has since had calf muscle transfer surgery to move the top muscle from his calf around to the front of his leg to aid his ability to walk. He has also had a skin graft placed over the area which was from his right thigh. She has since set up an Instagram page - JacobsWaterWarning - where she is spreading awareness of his story. Jacob is helped to walk by mother Rebecca Butler who has set up an Instagram page - JacobsWaterWarning - where she is spreading awareness of his story She said: 'Luckily, we still have our son, but unfortunately, there are others who will never see their children again. 'Water safety is real and no joke. 'Our hearts go out to all of the young children who have recently lost their lives in lake tragedies, and our deepest condolences go to all the families of the children.' Jacob has also urged children to not jump into open water during the summer. He said: 'The past weeks have been really hard. 'My leg didn't feel right when it was infected. 'Please don't jump into open water as it can be very dangerous, I could have lost my leg or worse.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. 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