Man with previously damaged knees plans marathon walk

Allan Worthington, originally from Plymouth, could not dream of being a sportsman when his knees were damaged in a road collision. But now he has two new knees thanks to the work of surgeons at the South West Knee Clinic at the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital and is planning a 16 hour marathon walk with his family!

Allan had a nasty road collision in 1986 and his knees never really recovered, even though he received good support and treatment from the NHS. He worked as a Care Assistant and so was constantly on the move and getting up and down. One day the crash came back to haunt him.

Alan describes what happened:

“My knees just totally collapsed, and for the next 12 months I was in absolute agony. I couldn’t work and eventually had to leave my job at the care home. I knew this couldn’t go on so I started doing some research to find out who was the very best person to go to for knees. I soon found Mr. Eyres at the Nuffield.”

Consultant Surgeon Keith Eyres takes up the story:

“Allan’s knees were very damaged. The length of time since the accident had not helped and he was in considerable pain. After extensive assessment and discussion, I recommended that we replace both his knees.”

Allan had the operation at the Nuffield Hospital in 2012. The effect was dramatic and instant. He said:

 “I knew as soon as I came round from the op that things were better. Within a month I was walking round with no support and felt absolutely fantastic. I now play squash four times a week (and rarely lose!) and work as a cab driver. I am not exaggerating when I say that Mr. Eyres has changed my life”.

Keith Eyers, Andrew Toms and Vipul Mandalia, three of the UK’s leading knee surgeons, offer services as the South West Knee Clinic at the Nuffield Heath Exeter Hospital. (http://www.southwestkneeclinic.co.uk/)

Paul Taylor is the Hospital Director at the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital. He said:

“We work hard here to treat people as individuals and come up with the best plan for their situation. It is great to hear Allan’s positive story. Mr. Eyres, Mr. Toms and Mr. Mandalia do an excellent job.”

For more information on the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital and the work they provide please visit http://www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/exeter.