John from Yorkshire

John, 70, is a keen cyclist and has always enjoyed exploring the hills and dales of Yorkshire by bike. However, a knee injury forced John to give up on his dream of conquering one of cycling’s most legendary challenges in the Pyrenees Mountains, the Col du Tourmalet.

“I’ve always been an avid cyclist and love nothing more than to explore the countryside on two wheels. Over time, my knee became more and more painful. Even walking became agonizing and cycling was impossible.

“My GP was sympathetic but I was not referred to a consultant because the need wasn’t seen as pressing. For me, the pain was a constant reminder that I had reached an age where I was beginning to lose the ability to do the things I love.

“I decided to call Alliance Health Group to see if there was anything that could be done. I was referred to an Alliance Health Group consultant, Mr Davidson. In the consultation, I learnt that he specialises in treating patients with arthritic hips and knees and in joint replacements. I felt reassured when he told me that he performs more than 200 joint replacements for both the private and NHS sector each year.

“Mr Davidson carried out a knee replacement, and 12 months later I felt ready to face my greatest challenge; Col du Tourmalet. After climbing over 2000 metres and taking in breathtaking views, I finally passed the ‘1km to go’ sign. The hairpins became tighter and the gradient kicked up – riders were whizzing past me in the opposite direction, but I barely noticed them. Then, out of nowhere, the statue of the Giant appeared and I knew I’d made it. I looked behind me to see the road I had conquered unfurl for 7km beneath me”

John’s Alliance Health Group consultant, Mr Davidson, said “It is always our priority to get patients back on their feet sooner and back to their normal activities”.