A Quantock Calamity

Quantock Orienteers events are notoriously tough but I like the club, I like the people, and I like having a go in difficult terrain. Andy Rimes planned King’s Cliff so I knew Short Green wouldn’t be a doddle. A few days earlier, on learning that I was orienteering in the Quantocks, the Wise Man of Martinstown had counselled me against such folly. Pah! What did he know.

On the way to control 2 an explosive crack startled me and I fell in a heap! It sounded most alarming and when I tried to move I realised the noise had come from me. Left knee, totally busted. All I did was step down from a low earthwall, a trivial undulation.

Help arrived before I reached my emergency whistle and in ten minutes or so QO heavies arrived in force to get me off the wooded hillside to the forest track below, where a Land Rover could collect me. I was unable to use the leg at all so depended entirely on their careful negotiation of a tricky descent.

What next? A logical solution was get me home to Bridport where Michaela (my daughter) could drive me to Dorchester A&E. There were lots of ideas. Chris Turner was happy to go out of his way to transport me but we finally settled on Plan 7 (I think). Roger Craddock would take me home in his car and Judy would drive mine; then they’d return to Taunton. It was incredibly generous, taking a great deal of time and trouble, and a mere thank you seems woefully inadequate. How fortunate QO is to have such fantastic people at its core.

X marks the spot

Michaela took me to Dorset County Hospital where A&E suspected more serious damage than I hoped. An orthopaedic doctor examined my left knee thoroughly.

‘That’s my good leg’ I grumbled to her.

‘Not any more!’ she replied wittily.

It transpired that I had a complete rupture of the quadriceps tendon plus lesser injuries, and needed a fairly major op. Orienteering will be out for quite a while.

The operation took place at the second attempt. It was scheduled for Tuesday 25th but called off by the anaesthetist at the theatre door (!) when my heart rate stuck above 160. Apparently it's paroxysmal AF (an intermittent rapid arrhythmia) which started at the most awkward time after I'd passed all the pre-op checks. The orthopaedic team have referred me to cardiology for investigation.

On Wednesday my heart behaved perfectly and the quad tendon was successfully reattached to the patella. 3 holes drilled I gather. A little pain, nothing major, and I astonished the physio by what I could do just 24 hours later. Orienteering can take some credit for that. We tend not to fall apart when one bit fails but the rest is in good working order!

I thank everyone who helped me after the accident. My recovery from the hillside was a fine example of the effective QO teamwork we’ve all grown used to, and special thanks go to those who gave up their run to assist. And Roger and Judy – what amazing friends.

Thank you to Mary for looking after me while I recuperate. She is suddenly landed with unexpected work & worry so I’ll try not to be difficult. Thanks also to Michaela who has taken me many times to Dorset County Hospital. Headteachers don’t actually spend all day sitting in their office drinking cups of coffee (I have to say that!) and I’m immensely grateful for the time she has generously given.

Dorset County Hospital - well, where do I start. Brilliant, professional, friendly, informative, incredible teamwork. I am privileged to have been treated there. A humbling experience.

Onward and upward!

Mike Kite