Steve's recovery is continuing to go well. As a family we spent about 2 hours with him today. He is more alert and able to communicate although he still gets tired and has to rest between talking and listening. I told Steve about the events which are occurring in the near future like the visit by the family to BWFC, the Station Open Day, the fund raiser at the Jolly Carter Pub in Little Lever and the Fund raiser being organised by A Watch in Control. He was smiling all the time and I think he was amazed by the amount of support he and the fire fighters at Bolton Central are getting from everyone both inside and outside of the Fire Service.

He asked about the guys off his watch and how they were all doing. I told him about the web page Carl had set up for him due to the interest people were showing in his progress. At this time Steve became tired so we did the talking. I told him about how the family was doing and all the support we are getting and giving to each other. Steve then told me he would get better and come home. We left him resting in his room but told him we would be returning to see him tomorrow.

Steve's skin grafts are all healing well including the more recent ones he has had on the front of his thighs. He is now breathing for himself and his temp is around 37/38. He is currently on a mild antibiotic to combat any further infections. His ears are healing well but are still bandaged to protect them from being irritated by his pillow.

His hands are still in the vacuum therapy gloves to assist in tissue growth in his hands. Both his hands especially his fingers will have to have extensive surgery. He has unfortunately lost both his little fingers and part of the palm of his right hand. The Medical Team will be examining all his fingers and both his thumbs to determine what needs to be done in these areas in the near future.

When Steve is able to understand and remember what he is being told the psychology team along with the medical staff will gently and sensitively tell him what has happened to him and the extent of his injuries. They will also discuss with him the way forward for his recovery to continue.

The family are really pleased with his overall progress. Steve is healing well and is now able to see and speak to us more when we are with him. Steve is still very poorly but we know he has the will and the fight to recover.