But the East Maitland man lived to tell his story and is again on the road to independence.

Thanks, in part, to a four-legged friend called Buddley and a new customised scooter.

"Being able to get out and about again by myself is just so wonderful. It means the world to me," 64-year-old Mr Egar said.

"Buddley and I just get out in the scooter and off we go and it feels great."

Mr Egar's story was not lost on Maitland's Mindaribba Freemasons Lodge. Members donated $1750 to the cost of the scooter.

"The story of Mr Egar, when brought to our attention, touched our hearts," lodge member Ken James said.

"And we are always on the look-out for how we can contribute and support our fellow man wherever possible."

In 1999, Mr Egar had a routine knee replacement but constant infections meant his leg had to be amputated seven years later.

"At the time I thought I was handling it well, but I wasn't," Mr Egar said.

"In fact I wanted to kill myself because I just wasn't coping.

"But today, I'm much better and I don't depend on my wife as much."