Jack McCooke, a 30-year-old Londoner, sustained a fractured neck during a skiing trip to the French resort of Val d’Isere, an injury he only fully recognized after experiencing severe pain and fainting several days later.

McCooke, described as “very active,” was skiing when he flew unexpectedly over a snow lip due to misfitted ski bindings, causing him to land awkwardly on his neck and lose consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, he found himself surrounded by other skiers and, despite significant pain, managed to stand and walk away, believing he had suffered severe whiplash.

The severity of the injury became apparent two days later at his workplace in London. After sneezing, McCooke felt a sudden, sharp pain radiate through his neck and passed out again. He was promptly taken to the emergency department at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, where medical staff diagnosed him with a fracture to the C2 vertebra, located just below the skull. The injury was pressing on his nervous system, a fact that surprised the doctors considering McCooke’s ability to remain upright initially.

Following the diagnosis, McCooke underwent months of intensive physiotherapy and faced considerable pain and limited mobility. His recovery trajectory was further complicated five months after the skiing accident when he fell down a flight of stairs, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This required reconstructive surgery and an additional three months of rehabilitation, including relearning how to walk.

Reflecting on his prolonged recovery, McCooke described the process as mentally and physically taxing, lamenting the lost time and changes to his lifestyle. “It took an enormous toll... You’re two years older and a different person, so you don’t get those years back,” he said.

Despite these setbacks, McCooke has made considerable progress. He resumed running earlier this year and has committed to participating in the Saucony Run Shoreditch Half Marathon scheduled for September 20 in East London. He continues to incorporate strength training to restore core functions but still experiences intermittent neck pain, especially during longer runs and when exposed to jarring movements such as riding over rough roads in a car.

McCooke emphasizes the ongoing nature of his rehabilitation, stating that while he enjoys running, maintaining strength and managing pain require continuous effort.