The Man Behind the Mask

The compelling story of the steelworker's son who transformed thousands of lives by bringing joint replacement to the North-East of England.

John Anderson was inspired to become a surgeon after seeing their heroism at close quarters when he spent a year in hospital as a teenager.

In the decade years before he started his work, 12 knee and hip replacements were carried out in Middlesbrough by surgeons trying out emerging techniques. By the end of his career, Anderson was performing that many each week.

In 2004 Queen Elizabeth awarded him the CBE at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his services to medicine.

But the book reveals how a dramatic car accident in 1984 almost ended his career early, leaving Anderson fighting for his life.

Loved and respected by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him as a friend, patient or colleague, this is the story of The Man Behind The Mask.