Today was a very special day. On Friday, I collected along with Green Watch, Steves awards from the Tower FM Awards Ceremony. I finally began to relax on Saturday after giving a nervous speech to hundreds at the awards themselves.

On Saturday, SC Wiggans, who had took the awards home, for their own safety, dropped the awards off at my house, the same time that Gary, Steve's Brother in Law came to see them and collect them.

I was then asked if I would like to go and see Steve on Sunday and present him with the awards in person. Steve has not seen anyone from the watch since the night of the incident some 16 weeks ago. Of course I was thrilled to go and do this, as I cannot put into words the condition Steve was in on the night of the incident, the image will never leave me. This was also an important step for me.

On arrival at hospital Gary informed Steve that he had won 2 awards and kept me in the corridor. I heard Steve reply in a surprised tone "Did I". Gary then said to Steve "I bet you're dying to see them" to which Steve replied "Yeah". Gary then told Steve that someone had brought them and beckoned me in from the corridor. I wasn't sure whether Steve was shocked or surprised, but it was good to see his face again. He genuinely looked surprised and happy
I must admit I was a little apprehensive on seeing Steve as I had no idea what to expect. My first impression was that Steve looked far better than I imagined despite the fact that he is still poorly and has received 50% burns, he looked really good.

The family then left me with Steve for a good 35 mins were we talked about all sorts of things and he became more and more positive as I confirmed more and more of what had gone on. I chatted to him about the fact I had to give a speech to hundreds of people and how it was a privilege and an honour to collect the Tower FM Awards on his behalf. He thought it was quite funny that I had to do the speech.

We obviously spoke about the incident. Steve has not seen anyone who was with him on the night, since the 23rd June, so it was obvious he was going to ask me questions relating to the night. Any questions he had, I answered. He also spoke about his injuries and asked how the rest of the guys on the watch were doing, so i brought him up to date on all what had been going on. I talked to him about all the charity nights that had been going on, and how so many people are constantly asking about him. He genuinely has no idea of the admiration that people have for him, not only in GMC, but throughout the fire service worldwide and within local communities. We also spoke about his upcoming marriage and I told him it was about time he popped the question. He agreed saying that he had now realised that life is too short and how things could have been so very different.

I came away from Steve feeling very positive. He is a strong lad who I know will get through this despite the road ahead. He is still obviously poorly and is continuing to progress each and every day showing great courage and determination to leave hospital as quickly as he can.
On a final note, despite today having an emotional side to it, Steve has not lost his sense of humour, he still continues to have a go at us, cracking a few jokes along the way. I now hope that this first visit will lead to many more, not only from myself, but the many people who wish to meet Steve. Steve himself along with the family and Hospital staff will obviously decide in the not too distant future about any future visits.

Carl Haslam - Green Watch Bolton Central