John Monk completes once-in-a-lifetime trek in Nepal after successful surgery at Spire Nottingham Hospital
24 January 2025
- After suffering a terrible ski accident, John Monk completes a once-in-a-lifetime trek in Nepal following successful shoulder surgery at Spire Healthcare
- Expert care at Spire Nottingham Hospital helps patient recover to complete trek to Everest Base Camp
In March 2024, John Monks experienced a serious skiing accident during a family holiday, resulting in the rupture of both his biceps and extensive damage to both rotator cuff tendons. Despite the severity of his injuries, John initially underestimated the extent of the damage and continued to ski gently for the remainder of the trip.
Upon returning home, persistent pain, sleepless nights and reliance on painkillers led him to seek help. John chose Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Mr John Geoghegan at Spire Nottingham Hospital, as he’d always known it for its outstanding reputation. During his initial consultation, Mr Monks mentioned a once-in-a-lifetime trip planned for his 60th birthday. However, it became evident that his condition might jeopardise these plans. Determined to help, Mr Geoghegan assured Mr Monks he would do everything possible to give him a fighting chance.
Reflecting on the situation, John Monks said: “The trip was already booked and we didn’t want to let anyone down. We had selected our sherpa and guide, a father and son running a family business. It was crucial for us to continue with the trip, albeit with adjusted plans. I knew I just had to undergo the surgery and see how things unfolded.”
John was scheduled in for surgery three weeks after his initial consultation. The operation took place in July, and John committed himself to daily physiotherapy during recovery.
Mr Geoghegan said: "When I first met John, the timeline for his recovery was going to be ambitious, but we wanted to help him as much as possible to fulfil his once-in-a-lifetime goal. He had sustained a large complex tear of his rotator cuff injury to his right shoulder. Surgery was performed in early July, and we liaised closely with our specialist shoulder physiotherapists at Spire Nottingham to maximise his recovery.“
John Monk (pictured) during his 60th birthday trek to Nepal
“After six weeks of recovery, I started long walks with an 18kg backpack to regain strength and prepare for the trip. It was a tough journey, I had lost so much strength in my arms, but I worked hard to rebuild both my confidence and physical capability,” John Monks shared.
By October, John was ready for the four-week expedition. He flew to Kathmandu, Nepal and trekked to Poon Hill Base Camp, followed by Machhapuchhre Base Camp, and finally reached Annapurna I Base Camp at 4,200m. Annapurna I, the tenth highest peak in the world, is renowned as one of the most challenging expeditions.
“This amazing holiday would not have been possible without the help of Mr Geoghegan, his team, and all the staff at Spire Nottingham Hospital. I am truly grateful,” John said.
John Monk (pictured)
Mr Geoghegan said: "It was a real privilege to work with John so he could recover from surgery in time to complete his incredible ambition of trekking the Annapurna Base Cape circuit. Spire Nottingham’s team in clinic, theatre and the physiotherapy department loved seeing the amazing photographs John shared with us.”