The Beechworth Bakery founder developed Necrotizing fasciitis – an infection that kills the body's soft tissue – thought to have started from a small cut he got on his shin while gardening at home.

Tom O’Toole OAM had six surgeries, including a skin graft on his left leg, in three different hospitals in two states.

He returned to his Beechworth home earlier this month, saying “the skin graft is brilliant”.

“I can walk, I can dance; I couldn’t dance before!” he quipped.

“My local doctor couldn’t believe how good it looks.”

Tom said he was regaining more and more strength every day.

“My leg is great, it’s just my energy levels now,” Tom said.

“I’ve been on antibiotics for such a long time.

“Every day I’m getting stronger.

“We’ve got one of the best health systems in the world and we’ve got the best doctors in the world.” 

On June 24 Tom was initially treated for low blood pressure at Port Hedland in Western Australia before doctors suspected the mysterious flesh-eating ulcer, most prevalent on the Mornington Peninsula.

He was on a business trip at the time.

He had five surgeries to scrape out the wound on his left leg: one at Port Hedland, three when he was transferred to Royal Perth Hospital and one at Northern Hospital Epping in Melbourne.

The skin graft was done at Northern Hospital Epping.

True to form, Tom gave a presentation to surgeons and doctors at the hospital after a request from a surgeon.

Tom said a planned trip to Africa last month had to be cancelled in the wake of the health scare.

He said he was not overly worried about it.

“I’ve spoken in Africa many times and I’ve had a few family holidays there,” he said.

“I’m missing a German bakery trade show too but that was for work; I don’t mind missing out on work!” 

Tom said he was well on the way to making a full recovery and getting his strength back.

He said he and wife Christine were looking forward to a family wedding later this year.

“I’m just in love with life and I’m raring to go!” he said.