In 1990 I was carrying a bag of files in each hand and opening the door of a train with my left hand, when without warning the train started to move, wrenching my thumb which became fractured. This was a week before playing guitar in a show based on The Mysteries.

My hand and lower arm was put in NHS Plaster locally, which removed the pain but was very uncomfortable. The next day my GP referred me to a private hospital for a more comfortable plaster which enabled me to play in the show. My consultant told me that the injury would give me slight discomfort in years to come - he was right, in cold weather it hurts like crazy!