We have visited with Steve today and I can report to you that we found him more awake and talkative. Sharon His sister ( my wife) told me its the best she has seen Steve since that terrible night in June. His mum and Sharon went in to see Steve first. They told him about the family open day at Bolton Fire Station and of the get well wishes that everyone is sending him. They told him how supportive the Brigade and firefighters charity have been to us as a family. Sharon told me that Steve got somewhat emotional and said he knew the fire service would look after us and he was surprised by everything that was going on. The big thing for us is that he was taking all this information in and retaining it. He was asking questions and smiling like the girls have not seen him smile in such a long time.

Sharon and her mum came out in a real happy mood from seeing Steve, and it was a big lift for me to see them like that. We have had so many tears and to see smiles was great.
Next in was Louise, Steve's youngest niece and me. Steve and I spoke about the Olympics especially the mountain biking and Steve told me about the number of Gold's we had won overall and the rules regarding the mountain biking event! to me this was such an obvious sign that Steve was getting back towards his old self. Louise and Steve had a couple of laughs at my expense. Steve told Louise that I only had the number of friends I have now because everyone in Manchester fire now knows that I am his brother in law!!!! and it took him going into hospital to get me more than two texts messages a month on my phone ( typical Morris humour, but it was great seeing Steve laugh}. Steve also asked Louise to bring in the diary she is creating for him as he wants to see the pictures from the family open day and the filming his good friend Carl did of the day. We told him about Amir Khan, Suranne Jones and Dave Spikey coming along to support the day. He thought that was brilliant, and he told Louise he would like to meet Amir Khan because Steve has a real keen interest in boxing. He asked Louise what she thought of the celebs and Louise told him they were all really great. Louise told him that she said to Amir that he was wearing a very nice watch and Steve smiled at that comment. We left Steve resting as he had started to become tired.

Steve is currently lying on his side as the grafts on his upper rear legs are still healing. He still has bandages on his arms, hands and legs. His ears are uncovered and are healing well. He is now eating more solid food on a regular basis and is able to have physio most days. He is still on medication to help him to handle his pain and to ease the tension he sometimes feels. The nursing staff have said he has been doing very well since last Wednesdays full dressings change. This week coming up will probably see Steve having more surgery on his hands. We have to wait and see what the surgical team and the hand specialist have decided to do and what day they will be carrying out the surgery. As a family we will be with Steve every step of the way and we know all of you will be thinking of Steve this week.

As always I'll keep you informed.