A SKYDIVER who completed his 7200th jump has pledged to launch a new private clinic after surgery.

George McGuinness, 73, who recently underwent a double knee replacement operation, was still able to continue his passion and wish to give something back by launching a new private hospital outreach clinic in Kendal.

Having been struck by severe osteoarthritis in 2016 and again in 2019, George was left with mobility issues and was unable to completely straighten his legs.

Without the surgeries, George would have been grounded from a passion he says is his life.

He is now fully recovered thanks to Spire Fylde Coast Hospital, as a new clinic is launched for patients in Cumbria.

George went on to complete his 7200th jump from 14,000ft just four months after his second operation.

“I can’t thank Spire enough for what they have done for me, the care has been absolutely fantastic," said George.

"I don’t know what I would have done if I couldn’t skydive, my life would be over. I think it’s a wonderful idea to bring services closer to where patients live.

“There are a lot of older people living in the Lake District who might have restricted mobility and also lots of people who want to keep having active lives, so if they can get access to treatment easier and faster that’s a good thing. If you have an injury it can be devastating to your lifestyle. It makes a massive difference to know you can get a procedure done and get back on with your normal life.”

Spire’s services will be more accessible to hundreds of patients from the Lake District area, as they will be able to have initial consultations and post-operative treatment closer to home, saving on travel time, stress and expenses.