A popular Kent school fitness and activity coach has been horrifically injured after being hit by a scooter while jogging on holiday.
John McCormack, who runs Skip2BFit, suffered a shattered leg, ruptured artery and deep muscle laceration in the accident in Goa, leaving him fearing he could lose the limb.
The 60-year-old dad from Broadstairs is a keen runner and was holidaying with his wife Joanne in the Indian region, where he also helps raise money for street children through a sponsored charity run.
But last week, while on an early morning training run in preparation for the 10k event, a dog leapt out from a doorway and attempted to bite him.
“I instinctively jumped out of its way, but unfortunately into the path of a passing scooter which hit me from behind,” said John.
The metal footplate of the scooter severed through John’s calf – causing a huge, gaping wound too graphic to show on KentOnline. It also snapped his fibula and crushed an artery, leaving him bleeding profusely on the ground.
“The pain was incredible and I could see it was a really serious injury,” said John.
He was eventually ferried to hospital but, despite his life-threatening condition, doctors insisted on payment before they would treat him.
“Fortunately, we had good insurance cover – otherwise it would have cost thousands of pounds. So that’s a warning to everyone thinking of travelling without it,” he said.
At the hospital, John was treated by specialist surgeons who repaired the artery and put a metal plate in his leg.
But there are still concerns the wound could become infected.
“I’m really worried because if that happens, I could lose my leg, so I’m still not out of the woods despite being pumped with antibiotics,” said John.
“As well as the pain, it’s been quite emotionally traumatic too because fitness is my life. Thank heavens I’ve had Jo at my side to support me. She’s been amazing.
“But I’m determined to get back skipping and running again.”
John, a dad-of-four founded Skip2BFit in 2002 and tens of thousands of children across Kent and the country have benefitted from his award-winning school skipping workshops.
He says it is not just about encouraging children to exercise but also helping motivate them to overcome challenges.
“It’s a family business with my son David also leading sessions and Joanne looking after the admin,” he said.
“They can carry it on but I have to get mobile again as soon as I can.”
For now, John, who is also a boxing coach, remains in Goa, until it is safe for him to fly home. But even that will require a special seat so his injured leg can remain elevated.
On his return, he plans an intensive period of physiotherapy to aid his recovery.
“Every now and then life throws something at you that you have to deal with and I’m trying to stay positive and focused to get back on my feet as soon as possible,” said John.
“Obviously, I’m also gutted not to be able to take part in the charity 10k here on February 18, like I have done in previous years.
“But I have to think it might have been worse and it could have been a lorry instead of a scooter and I wouldn’t be here to tell the tale.”
Advice published by the Foreign Office says: “If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away.
“If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.”
It gives an example of £25,000+ costs you could be expected to pay if you fall and break your leg in Spain and need hospital treatment and possibly medical evacuation/repatriation.
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