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 while gardening at home.

“I thought, I’m going to lose my leg, then I thought, I’m going to lose my life,” said Tom, who has been in hospital for exactly one month since June 24.

Four days after he got the scratch Tom’s health took a turn for the worse during a visit to Port Hedland in Western Australia for a motivational talk.

“I had a bit of a fever a couple of nights before,” he said.

“I thought I was getting a cold; I didn’t relate it to my shin.

“I went to hospital on the Tuesday, but I checked back out for an hour-and-a-half so I could give my talk.

“On the Wednesday (in hospital) I thought I was going to die and on the Thursday I was sure I was going to die!”

Tom was initially treated for low blood pressure before doctors suspected the mysterious flesh-eating ulcer, most prevalent on the Mornington Peninsula.

He has 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.

Having been transferred to Victoria last week, Tom said he had finally turned the corner.

“I’ve got a hell of a hole in my leg,” Tom said.

“They have to take a heap of skin off me to stitch on there.”

Tom’s wife Christine, by his side throughout, said surgeons were hopeful the skin graft would go ahead on July 25.

“He’s on the road to recovery now,” she said.

“Physically, he’s well again now. Thankfully he’s not in any danger.”

Tom is likely to remain at Northern Hospital Epping for two weeks after the graft.

Since being awarded an OAM (Order of Australia) in June, Tom said he had many messages of congratulations and a few jibes too.

“Everyone said: ‘You’re going to have to behave yourself now’,” he said.

“I’ve done nothing but behave myself and I’ve been in hospital ever since!”