Nick's Recovery Process

Whilst in Kenya filming a Mission Africa for BBC 1, Nick fell 16 feet from a truck, knocking himself out, dislocating his shoulder and collarbone and tearing all the surrounding ligaments.   

He was airlifted to hospital in Nairobi where they decided to fly him back to the UK to undergo surgery at St Thomas' Hospital, London (the home of BBC1's City Hospital - the series he previously fronted).  Surgery was extremely successful and those who enjoy a bit of gore even had the opportunity to watch the operation on BBC 1!

Both the filming and - more importantly - the amazing conservation work the Mission Africa team was doing, were severely disrupted by Nick's absence so he felt compelled to join the team as soon as possible.  Whilst doctors were reluctant for him to travel back to Africa at all, he insisted on flying back, and jetted off just five days after major surgery.   

His fervour was slightly over-optimistic however and Nick collapsed with exhaustion just a few days after his return.  The mix of 125 degree heat and post-surgery stress was a little more than he could endure.  

Despite all odds the Mission Africa team concluded the project and remains a success for the Samburu people who now run it.  Since Nick's return to the  UK his recovery has gone well.  His schedule meant that he went straight into filming DIYSOS and a new wedding programme but, despite the obvious grief the SOS boys gave him, he's been treated with kid gloves by everyone.

A second operation at the end of 2007 on his other shoulder finished the required surgery and physiotherapy  twice a week continues to help him improve  so Nick is well and truly on the mend.  The response he has had from everyone has really blown him away and he'd like to send the most enormous thank you to all his well wishers and the fantastic staff at St Thomas's. It's also worth taking a look at the Lewa website which continues to do amazing work for the endangered species of the region - not to mention the people there. They need your support so take a look.