Personal stories

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Joanne Taylor survived breast cancer, but fear and anxiety stripped away her confidence. Now, after a remarkable physical and emotional recovery – she’s back in control and dedicating her life to helping women living with cancer.

Updated: Monday 17 August 2026

Published: Tuesday 29 September 2015

Formerly active Pat suffered with persistent leg pain that left her chairbound and very fed up. But once she started physiotherapy at Nuffield Health Shrewsbury Hospital, not only did she reach her goal of standing up again, she can now even get up and down the stairs thanks to her physiotherapist Trudie.

Updated: Friday 14 August 2026

Published: Thursday 9 December 2021

The 16-year-old isn’t taking the life-limiting condition lying down. She’s fighting her CF with a fitness programme designed to improve her quality of life.

Updated: Friday 14 August 2026

Published: Saturday 17 December 2016

Simon Webster was a rising star on the cusp of a promising Premier League career when injury brought his life crashing down around him. But his very recovery would teach him to turn his injury into an opportunity – and now he’s helping others get back on their feet.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Thursday 17 September 2015

When rugby player Alice heard her knee pop she feared her dreams of playing at Twickenham were over. But all was not lost.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Wednesday 24 February 2016

Physiotherapy helped former dancer Terrie to walk without a wheelchair again, but it also did so much more.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Thursday 16 June 2016

Andrew got back to doing what he loves, just three months after hip replacement surgery at Nuffield Health Leicester. Now he's feeling the same pain in his other hip, he knows exactly where to go for his second hip replacement.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Tuesday 15 August 2023

A deformity in Derek's hip threatened his mobility, lifestyle and happiness. This is his story of conquering his condition, with a little help. Derek lives life to the full, he always has. “For me it’s so important to keep flexible and mobile,” he says. At 73 years old he’s fitter than many men half his age, doing two hours of exercise a day and practicing yoga and Pilates regularly.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Thursday 14 May 2015

Suffering from arthritis pain in her hips and hands, Tracy was left housebound for two years during the pandemic. As the pain became unbearable and began to affect her daily routine, Tracy's local GP suggested applying for the Joint Pain Programme at Nuffield Health.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Tuesday 12 September 2023

In mid November 2024, retired ski instructor Richard Eklof, from Usk, returned to the Austrian slopes just four months after his Mako robotic knee replacement surgery. This amazing feat was thanks to his dedicated rehabilitation team, the support of his wife and the skills of Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Andrew Miller of Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals and his own motivation.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Wednesday 5 February 2025

67-year-old Geoff and his wife have a passion for skiing and walking in the Alps. However Geoff’s damaged knee cartilage was threatening to put a stop to these activities until he had a partial knee replacement on each side, just nine months apart. Feeling confident, he returned to the slopes just six months later, with next year’s ski trip already planned for March.

Updated: Thursday 13 August 2026

Published: Monday 23 October 2023

Maria had always been an active person, from regularly attending spin classes to playing golf. However, earlier this year Maria was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF), an abnormal heart rhythm. Maria reflects on her journey following cardiac ablation, a procedure to correct the abnormal heart rhythm.

Updated: Friday 31 July 2026

Published: Wednesday 17 January 2024

Former professional footballer and Paralympic coach Tony Larkin was completely debilitated by arthritis, until he met Nuffield Health Consultant Matthew Oakley.

Updated: Wednesday 21 February 2024

Published: Thursday 20 August 2015

Roz Mabey needed medical help to conquer severe hip pain that left her in tears. She now swims in the sea every day thanks to her life-changing surgery at Nuffield Health Vale Hospital.

Updated: Friday 22 July 2022

Published: Wednesday 24 November 2021

David and Fiona came to Nuffield Health hoping to conceive their own biological baby against the odds. A combination of fertility treatments provided hope.

Updated: Tuesday 7 January 2020

Published: Monday 2 November 2015