Fundraiser to tackle Greenland after surgeon heals knee injury

Published on Monday 16 March 2009 08:48

WHEN Fiona Lindsay embarks on a daring 400-mile Arctic challenge later this month, braving some of the world's harshest conditions, it will be a city-based surgeon she will have to thank.

The 36-year-old Leith fundraiser suffered a complex knee injury while training for the endurance challenge last month, putting the whole kite-skiing trip in jeopardy.

But fortunately for Ms Lindsay – who is the granddaughter of polar explorer Sir Martin Lindsay – a generous sports surgeon rushed to the rescue, and performed crucial keyhole surgery free of charge.

Her knee – which has troubled her since an injury as a teenager – is now in better condition than ever, and she will leave for the epic adventure tomorrow to begin training in Norway.

The physio, who also founded two endurance treatment companies, said: "I knew my knee was weak, so I decided to really push myself during a training session to the same level as I would have to in Greenland. So I ran around Arthur's Seat with three tyres, which is the equivalent weight of what I'll be carrying there, and my knee locked.

"I thought that was it, but then if I'd suffered that injury in the Arctic I would have been miles from any kind of help."

Dr Gordon Mackay, who carries out such procedures at private clinics, then offered to help, and the keyhole surgery had been completed within 24 hours of the initial consultation.

And he said because Ms Lindsay's mission was to raise money for an orphanage in Greenland, he would carry out the treatment for nothing.

"I could have cried when I heard that news, I was so overwhelmed," she added. "I was surprised to hear of the home in Greenland, which also has disabled children.

"Although it's smaller than ones would be in, say, Romania, because of the extreme conditions their plight is very large-scale."

The expedition itself will see Ms Lindsay and three other explorers from across the world travel for 400 miles in the unique mode of transport, from one coast of the land mass to the other.

Kites are attached and act like sails, carrying the explorers along in high winds on the skis, although she added: "If there's no wind it can be a bit of a slog."

She expects to return by mid-May, and a grand party will be organised at St Stephen's Church in Stockbridge to build on sponsorship money already collected.

"I'm eternally grateful for the surgery, had my knee locked in the middle of the Arctic, I could either have hung on for rescue, which would have been terrible, or solider on painfully, causing even more damage to my knee."

Dr Mackay said: "There was a bit of history with the knee, but hopefully now that will be much better. I'm an admirer of her efforts, and was happy to answer the SOS call."