Knee injury halts global cycle trek (From Oxford Mail)
Get involved: send your photos, videos, news & views by texting OXFORD NEWS to 80360 or email us
Knee injury halts global cycle trek
6:12pm Thursday 22nd April 2010 in
A DOCTOR aiming to cycle 50,000 miles around the world has been forced to stop his journey after three months – but has been unable to fly home because of the volcanic ash cloud.
Dr Steve Fabes was told by surgeons in Greece he needed keyhole surgery on a knee injury and has to rest for at least 12 weeks.
The 28-year-old has decided to hitchhike the 3,100 miles home because the volcanic eruption in Iceland grounded planes. But he has made the most of the opportunity by turning the return trip into a fundraising booster.
Last night Dr Fabes, who grew up in Southdale Road, North Oxford, said: “I’m gutted, crushed and heartbroken.
“I had developed a problem which affects just 15 to 30 people per 100,000, and my dream of an unbroken journey around the world by bicycle lay in tatters.
“It was a punch in the stomach and, in an instant, I plummeted to my lowest ebb.”
Dr Fabes, who worked at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, left the capital in January, and began to suffer pain and swelling in his knee in Italy.
The pain got worse as he arrived in Greece – where doctors confirmed he was suffering form osteochondritis dissecans following an MRI scan.
Minor injuries he received throughout his ride had caused a piece of cartilage to break off from his femur.
The former Abingdon School pupil had already cycled through 13 European countries.
He said: “In reality, I have no choice but to return home to the UK and get the problem fixed.
He added: “I will hitch-hike back to London from Istanbul.
“I found somewhere safe to store my bike, and have scribbled the words ‘volcano victim’ on a sign I can hold up by the roadside.”
He will fly back to Istanbul to resume his trip when he recovers. He said: “I will be riding as soon as I am able. My trans-European ride has been more than magnificent and this is just a small bump in the road.”
Dr Fabes aims to raise £50,000 for Merlin, an agency that supports remote medical clinics.
To sponsor Dr Fabes, visit justgiving.com/ bustedknee dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk
Comments(4)
Peter macvey
says...
11:00pm Thu 22 Apr 10
Floflo
says...
9:18am Fri 23 Apr 10
Peter macvey wrote:The story states he needs 12 weeks of rest after surgery. Did you also miss the bit about all flights being grounded? To avoid looking overly stupid try thinking a little more before making your inane comments.
So you don't trust Jonny foriegner to treat you, even though you trust their diagnosis. And you are in so much pain that you will hitch back, and not fly?????
Peter macvey
says...
2:56am Sat 24 Apr 10
Floflo wrote:Floey luv. Flights started coming in on Thursday, he would have been here by now, I think the word for him is attention seeker.
Peter macvey wrote: So you don't trust Jonny foriegner to treat you, even though you trust their diagnosis. And you are in so much pain that you will hitch back, and not fly?????The story states he needs 12 weeks of rest after surgery. Did you also miss the bit about all flights being grounded? To avoid looking overly stupid try thinking a little more before making your inane comments.
More Oxford stories
Dr Steve Fabes
Most popular
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
Niko Bellic says...
7:38pm Thu 22 Apr 10
.
What a bufoon!