Spire Leicester Hospital helps marathon runner get back on her feet

• Marathon runner Penny Masser regains her ability to run after a life-changing operation 

For Penny Masser, running wasn't just exercise, it was freedom, identity, and joy. A retired primary school teacher and athletics coach, she had spent decades inspiring others to push their limits. But one crisp autumn morning, everything changed.

"I'd just finished a 19-mile run the day before," she recalls. “Then, during a short recovery run with my dog, it felt like an elastic band snapped in my foot. Suddenly, I couldn't walk properly."

In that instant, her world stopped. The diagnosis? Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction, a rare and severe condition requiring complex surgery. For Penny, the thought of never running again was devastating.

Penny didn't hesitate."I didn't even consider waiting or trying months of physiotherapy," she explains. "I couldn't bear the thought of losing more time. Running is who I am. I needed this fixed, and fast!"

Her decision to go private was about regaining control. "My husband said, 'Let's do it now.' We self-funded because we wanted the surgery done quickly. It was the best decision we ever made," said Penny.

Penny chose Spire Healthcare for her treatment. Her choice wasn't random. "We'd had experience at Spire before—both my husband and my son had surgery there," she says. "We've always been impressed with the service, the customer care, and the attention to patient comfort—before, during, and after surgery."

When she saw Professor Maneesh Bhatia, Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Spire Leicester Hospital, the first thing she asked was "Will I be able to run again?" she says quietly. Prof. Bhatia was honest, and he told her that he couldn't promise.

The Weight of Uncertainty

Penny left the consultation in tears. "I cried all the way home," she admits. "Running is who I am. The idea that it might be gone forever—it felt like the end of everything."

But Penny is no stranger to resilience. She had run marathons, coached many athletes, and even returned to running just two weeks after a C-section. Giving up wasn't an option.

Her consultant, Professor Bhatia, is a leading specialist in complex foot and ankle reconstruction. "He explained everything in detail, never pressured me, and gave me confidence. The care before, during, and after surgery was exceptional," said Penny.

The Operation That Changed Everything

Penny's surgery was no small feat: reconstructing a shredded tendon and realigning her heel bone with a permanent plate. "It's considered massive surgery," she says. "But Spire made me feel safe and supported throughout."

From Tears to Triumph

Penny's journey back to running was nothing short of remarkable. After her surgery on 28 October 2024, she spent six weeks non-weight-bearing on crutches but refused to sit still, finding creative seated workouts to stay active. Just two weeks post-op, she was driving again thanks to her automatic car. By Christmas Day, she achieved her first big goal: walking three miles. From there, progress accelerated. On 1 March 2025, Penny ran her first 5K Parkrun, a milestone that brought tears of joy. By 27 April 2025, only six months after surgery, she completed a half marathon, finishing first in her age category, and two weeks later, ran another alongside her daughter. Each step was a triumph, proving that determination and expert care can turn fear into freedom.

Her voice lights up as she recalls crossing that finish line: "I cried again, but this time, with joy."

Penny’s journey continues. She has already entered and begun training for the Brighton Marathon in 2026, which will mark her 30th road marathon. She hopes her recovery remains strong so she can reach that start line. 

Penny back on the road at the Leicester Half Marathon following her surgery at Spire Leicester

Professor Bhatia, Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon, commented: "Penny's case was complex and required significant surgical reconstruction. While we could not guarantee she would run again, her determination and commitment to rehabilitation were extraordinary. It's a privilege to see patients like Penny achieve such remarkable outcomes."

Darren Rogers, Hospital Director of Spire Leicester Hospital, said: "Stories like Penny's remind us why we do what we do. At Spire Leicester, we're committed to delivering exceptional care that empowers patients to reclaim the lives they love. Penny's determination, combined with the expertise of our clinical team, is truly inspiring."

Penny's story is proof that with expert care and determination, you can reclaim the life you love—even when the odds feel stacked against you.