6:12pm Thursday 22nd April 2010
By Dan Hearn
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
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