Timothy Neill

About Timothy

From Northern Ireland originally, I now live in Snowdonia, North Wales. I’m currently 49 yrs old and have worked in climbing and mountaineering since I was 17.

Career Background

I’ve been a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide for 20 yrs and held the UK based Mountaineering and Climbing qualifications for 28 yrs. As well as extensive climbing work in Snowdonia I’ve worked consecutive winter climbing seasons in Scotland during each of those winters and 22 summer seasons in the European Alps as an aspirant and then fully qualified guide. For much of that time I also worked as a senior instructor at the National Mountaineering Centre in the UK as well as Guiding in the freelance sector. I’m also privileged to work in numerous aspects of training and examining new Guides working towards full IFMGA qualification through our British Mountain Guide Association.

Alpine highlights include the 6 famous North Faces in the European Alps, close to completing the UIAA list of 4000m summits and a number of alpine trips to the North and South Americas, most notably Argentine Patagonia with ascents of a number of peaks including the Fitzroy.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

For the past few years, hip pain on my right side (perhaps no great surprise!) had become an issue. In early 2019 I was advised to have a total hip replacement on that hip due to a diagnosis of severe osteoarthritis in that joint. Having heard of the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation through fellow Guiding colleagues I applied to see if they could help as a waiting time in the UK could be up to 3 years in our National Health system.

Their help enabled me to schedule the operation privately in late November 2019 and I sat out the winter season working through rehabilitation towards getting back to work and climbing strength. The global pandemic and restrictions on our line of employment added a little extra rehab time and I’m lucky now to be able to be back in the alps Guiding this summer season fully fit.

Testimonial

"From the outset, my contact with the Foundation was nothing but positive and helpful. Foundation staff helped enormously through the application process and their warm words were constantly reassuring during what was a stressful time dealing with my failing body(!) and immediate concerns for shaping my future at work. It goes without saying their help has been incredible and gave me the opportunity to enable the best surgery I could and at a time which hopefully would have the least impact on my year. The Foundation can’t be applauded enough for their help and reach to those whose occupation relies upon health, fitness and strength. "

- Timothy Neill