Share 'Spending time with his darling Lola. And taking a day at a time. A long journey but he’s blessed with so much love ❤️.' Bert's toe became infected before Christmas and he was experiencing unbearable pain before doctors amputated his right leg just below the knee on Saturday, May 8, in a life-saving operation. Health struggles: Bert Newton's health had been a 'huge worry' for his family in the weeks before his leg was amputated earlier this month to save his life He consented to the amputation after spending six weeks at Melbourne's Epworth Hospital, where his condition had been steadily worsening.