Ever since training for my first marathon in 2013, I've enjoyed long distance running. However, it's been a bit of a bumpy ride with several long-term injuries. In February 2018, I woke up the day after a short race with a nagging knee pain that didn't feel like a normal ache. A few weeks off and some physio treatment from DTR clinic hadn't been able to cure it so I was referred to Spire Cardiff, and specialist, Mr Stuart Roy. (I'd had a similar problem several years previously so I knew what to expect.) The service from Spire Cardiff was excellent from the moment I was referred, with appointments with Mr Roy, an MRI, and a date for a minor operation all within a few weeks of each other. All the staff were friendly and helpful. As a committed runner (although not necessarily someone who is particularly good!), I hugely appreciated Stuart Roy's understanding of how important it was for me to get back to running, and how much it matters to me. I made a quick recovery from the operation, followed my physiotherapy and gradual comeback instructions to the letter! I decided that an autumn 2018 marathon would be too much too soon and so concentrated on shorter distances, including the Cardiff half marathon. However, for several years, I have had my eye on the Barry 40. This is a 40 mile race on the running track in Jenner Park with a six hour cut off. It incorporates the Welsh ultramarathon championships. With careful training, I was able to increase the distance of my long runs and eventually entered the race about a week before entries closed. Conditions on the day were far from perfect - gale force winds and a few hailstones too! Nevertheless, I managed to complete all 161 laps, was one of only two women to finish, and the only Welsh female finisher. This made me the Wales ultramarathon champion for 2019. The race was on 10 March, almost exactly 11 months after my knee operation at Spire Cardiff. This achievement would never have been possible without the team at Spire and DTR clinic and I am incredibly grateful to them all. I cannot recommend them, and Mr Stuart Roy, highly enough. I am not a particularly 'good' runner but I am stubborn and I persevere. Thanks to Spire Cardiff, I finally had the chance to put this into practice in the Barry 40. Roll on 2020.... RB

Dear Stuart, I just wanted to express my thanks to you regarding my new knee. Having suffered for most of my life (with several interim operations) following a bad knee injury in my late teens and because I was in ‘the profession’ I was very reluctant to have any further tampering with it. However I had got to the stage where I had to hold onto my wife every time I walked down a slight decline and down stairs, was in constant pain day and night and was unable to join in with long family walks. I came to see you very reluctantly (under direction from my wife!) but your easy-going attitude, your confidence, persuasiveness and professionalism won me over almost immediately and ultimately it was one of the best and easiest decisions of my life. The actual procedure was so straight forward as was the recovery and here I am just over a year later, doing everything I want to do and completely pain free. My surfing has even improved! I will always be very grateful for the help you have given me and I hope this testimonial will help others make the right decision as I did. I have included some photos of me surfing in November - not the biggest waves ever but will give you an indication of what I can now do! Kind regards Mike

Following my recent operation, a lateral release on my right knee, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mr Roy for significantly improving and correcting the constant pain I have lived with for approximately the last 2 to 3 years. Immediately following the procedure there was a significant improvement in the pain, week by week this has improved even further and I am truly delighted with the results. 6 weeks post op the swelling has subsided, the 3 entry marks are extremely small and I am now able to walk long distances, climb stairs, kneel and carry on with life with no pain. I am so grateful to Mr Roy for giving me my quality of life back. Kindest regards DD

Very professional from seeing Andy Berry to the operation by Mr Roy and the after physio. Everything was first class. LP

Having been so delighted with the outcome of my osteotomy procedure with yourselves I am more than happy for my case and any quotes to be used in any form that you wish. Having experienced acute knee pain for a number of years after 25 years of poor quality football and one particularly severe injury, my pain reached the threshold where my wife, girls and I were no longer able to Parkrun together- something we’d always enjoyed. I explored the possibility of whether there was a medical option and the BUPA process was very speedy and efficient and the advice from consultant surgeon Stuart Roy was excellent after he thoroughly explored what my objectives and expectations were. Having had the operation I am absolutely delighted with the outcome. Being a keen cyclist, Mr Roy and the physiotherapists were able to build that into my recovery plan and I was able to maintain and even improve my fitness whilst waiting to see if I could run well again. I was able to run pain free at the appropriate time and have returned to enjoying a ‘mulch Parkrun’ weekly with my wife! My fitness returned and improved to such an extent that under advice, I was able to fulfil a COVID delayed Mumbles Duathlon place this year and finish 2nd in my age category (yes - there were more than two of us in it!). I would happily endorse the service I received from all concerned and will always be grateful for the opportunity given to me through yourselves to maintain my fitness and family pastime. Regards, JL