A keen golfer who owes his health to the orthopaedic department at Norfolk's busiest hospital is calling on others to show their support in the Orthopaedic Awareness Walk on Sunday.
Chriz Tozer, 49, had never been away from his job due to sickness, but when he suffered from premature wearing in both his hips causing him pain and discomfort eight years ago, he eventually underwent hip replacement surgery.
The father of two boys, who works as a meat hygiene inspector for the Food Standard Agency, said: 'I never had any problems until then and didn't take any notice at first but the pain got worse.'
'I remember feeling those really sharp pains in both legs – I was just 42 then and had never felt anything like it in my life before.'
At first Mr Tozer, who lives in Drayton, thought it was due to badminton, and as the pain got worse he turned to golf as an alternative to stay active.
'I was still getting a lot of pain and taking a lot of pain killers but the situation got worse as I could hardly walk around the golf course'.
He became more dependent on his wife and sons to help him dress and decided it was time to see a doctor, who referred him to the orthopaedic clinic at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Consultant surgeon Nish Chirodian emphasised that the stakes were much higher for a younger patient, but in October last year, Mr Tozer underwent surgery to replace one hip, and in December 2012, the second operation to replace the other hip was successful.
He is back at work as has returned to his golf as well as cycling and swimming.
He said: 'I can't thank the orthopaedic staff and consultant surgeon, Nish Chirodian enough for giving me a new lease of life.
'Anyone who thinks they may have an orthopaedic problem must get it sorted and get a referral from their GP to see the orthopaedic clinic.'
He urged others to take part in the sponsored walk to gain insight and awareness about the orthopaedic and related departments and raise money for Action Arthritis Trust.
There will be two one mile walks – one for those with restricted mobility.
The event will include live music, entertainment, a raffle and refreshments and this year it will be opened by Graham Cole, who played PC Stamp, in 'The Bill' for 25 years.
The Orthopaedic Awareness Walk will take place on Sunday June 23 at the Global Clinic, Colney Hall, Watton Road, Norwich, from 12.30pm to 4pm.
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