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B.C. firefighter recovering abroad after losing leg to 91Ƶflesh-eating91Ƶ infection

Vancouver assistant fire chief contracted infection while on family vacation

An assistant fire chief with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services is recovering in a Hong Kong hospital after contracting an infection commonly known as flesh-eating disease, forcing the amputation of part of his leg during a family vacation.

Marie Hui says her partner Christopher Won is 91Ƶlucky to be alive, and very grateful for another day91Ƶ after the bout with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare bacterial infection that can start with a seemingly benign scrape, cut or even a bug bite.

In an email, she says the family can91Ƶt recall Won having any such wounds or bites, but the infection forced the amputation of his leg above the knee on Feb. 15.

Hui says the family suspects the trouble began in Singapore, as Won started feeling symptoms on the way to the airport to fly back to Hong Kong.

She says the couple and their two children will face a challenging road to recovery, but they are 91Ƶoptimistic91Ƶ with the support of their family and community.

She says her parents flew to Hong Kong from B.C. to help take care of the couple91Ƶs two children while the family waits for Won to be cleared to fly home.

In a post on Instagram, Hui says Won 91Ƶalmost didn91Ƶt make it out of that operating theatre alive91Ƶ during the amputation, but he and the doctors 91Ƶfought hard.91Ƶ

Hui also shared a photo showing Won sitting up in a hospital bed with a bouquet of flowers sent by Vancouver city councillors and Mayor Ken Sim.

A statement from Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry says the department is grateful for the outpouring of support for Won, 91Ƶone of the strongest, most resilient and committed people we know.91Ƶ

Hui also shared a message from Won, saying the support has been 91Ƶoverwhelming91Ƶ and he 91Ƶcan91Ƶt wait to come home91Ƶ to thank everyone in person.

A fundraising page set up by a friend of the family says Won91Ƶs career with the city has spanned more than 20 years, while Hui is 91Ƶbeloved91Ƶ as an anthem singer for teams including the Vancouver Canucks, BC Lions and Vancouver Whitecaps.

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