For Issy, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) has played a significant role in her life for many years. Diagnosed with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) as a child, she has undergone three major surgeries, including a complex Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) — a hip preserving procedure designed to stabilise the joint.

Recovery from a TPO is a gradual process. Patients typically begin with limited weight‑bearing and rely on crutches, slowly increasing their mobility through physiotherapy. Full recovery, including rebuilding strength and returning to normal movement, can take 6–12 months as the pelvic bones heal.

Throughout this long and often challenging journey, Issy has been supported by exceptional care, compassion and encouragement from the ROH team.

Issy reflects not only on the clinical expertise that transformed her life, but also on the kindness of the people she met along the way. She remembers the cleaner who surprised her with a teddy bear and a card to celebrate her GCSE results — checking in on her every day during her stay. She recalls the Transition to Adult Services team, who helped her feel more confident and in control of her healthcare decisions. Her surgeon, Mr Bache, provided both outstanding surgical care and the reassurance she needed before and after her operations. And the hydrotherapy physiotherapists who supported her through the earliest and most difficult stages of rehabilitation.

Today, Issy is training for her first half marathon, aiming to complete the race in under two hours — a goal that once felt out of reach. Running has always been her passion, despite the pain, limitations and setbacks caused by DDH. Each mile she now runs represents both her determination and the life‑changing support she received at ROH.