The plane managed finally to land on the ice runway in about 30mph headwinds. We boarded at once and 7 hours later we reached the shores of Cape Town. From there we were escorted to another flight straight then back to the UK.
I arrived at 7pm last night and went then directly to one of the UK’s top shoulder surgeons in London. After x-ray they diagnosed the injury as a grade 3 (i.e. acute!) acromion clavicular dislocation. It was clear from the x-ray (below) that the bone had been forced apart pretty violently – hence not a real surprise why it has been so painful!
After initially planning to operate for reconstructive surgery as soon as possible, the surgeon’s team finally reckoned it would be best to wait a few weeks to see how it settles first. Ultimately though I was told that the recovery is likely to be a minimum of 10 weeks. That feels a lifetime for me. I know that I have survived worse when I broke my back in three places some years ago, but I had forgotten that feeling of being so vulnerable. But it is in the hard times that we grow, and I am really trying to focus on making the recovery strong and full.
I am reminded of my favourite quote:
Remember that life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, covered in scars, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘yahoo!’ what a ride!’
In the meantime, I have now made it home from hospital and it is heaven to see my family again. They are always the light through difficult tunnels for me. Thank you Shara so much. x
I am so proud of my team in Antarctica, from the guys with me on the ice: Mick, Dave, Gilo, to our support and logistics team of Patrick, Paul, Robyn, Jenna and Stefan. Our sponsors Ethanol Ventures, especially their CEO, Tim Levy, and his team who helped me so much including Tatiana, Helga and Bell Pottinger. Also BA and of course the rescue team of the BMC, MF Management, Fortis and Assistance International, and ALCI.
As I believed from the outset, this is not so much about what we achieve as a team together in Antarctica but rather is about hoping to encourage change in how we view the powering of our planet’s future. I hope to see alternative energies, including the likes of bio-fuels such as bio-ethanol, play a huge part in that future. If I have learnt anything over the years it is that we have a world worth fighting for and a world worth protecting. Beyond all of our own inadequacies and the politics of world energy, the only way to bring about change is to make yourself part of it. This is why I am very proud of our association with Ethanol Ventures – so thank you for backing us and making us part of your vision for the future.
Finally, thank you all who supported us with so many messages of support. It has meant a lot.
Bear x
P.S. the top bone in the x-ray is meant to be level – that’s where the challenge of recovery over the next couple of months lies!
