In 2001 I worked as consultant oncologist (cancer specialist) at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and spent many happy hours at weekends in the Scottish Hills. In June 2001 I had a climbing accident in Glen Clova, resulting in a dislocated cervical spine which paralysed me from shoulders down, and lost my left hand. Fortunately I was airlifted by a helicopter from Glen Clova directly to Ninewells Hospital Dundee, and once stabilised, was transferred by ambulance to the Spinal Unit at the Southern General Hospital Glasgow. After four months I was able to return home to Torphins, supported by my wife, family, friends, and January 2002 saw me returning to work in ARI.