Professor Chris Lavy, a top NHS orthopaedic surgeon based in Oxford, found himself the patient after breaking his ankle on a four-day trek in South Cornwall. Known for treating broken ankles, Chris now knows the pain firsthand.
Casualty on a Coastal Path
In January, Chris was walking with his dog and eight friends between Par and Fowey. Despite being geared up for wet weather, disaster struck. Spotting a sheep, Chris called his Labrador over and set down his walking sticks to put the lead on. Just then, his dog gave a tug, and Chris slipped.
“My leg crumpled and I heard crack, crack, crack. I knew immediately that I’d broken my ankle.”
Pain and swelling set in fast, making it impossible for Chris to put weight on his leg.
Coastguard Rescue to the Rescue
Chris’s friends dialled 999 and requested the Coastguard. St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team sprang into action. Officer in Charge Martin Cocks explained:
“Chris had exactly the right footwear and was well-equipped, but handling dogs under slippery conditions can lead to accidents. Given the thick mud and recent weather, coastal paths can quickly become dangerous.”
The tough terrain meant a foot extraction was impossible, so a rescue helicopter was scrambled. Chris was airlifted to the hospital, where scans revealed a severe trimalleolar fracture — breaks in the inner, outer, and rear ankle bones.
Grateful Surgeon Sends Thanks
Chris later sent a heartfelt thank-you letter to the St Austell team, brightening spirits at the Coastguard station. The letter now proudly hangs as a reminder of their life-saving work.
