We went to see Steve today and when we arrived we found his room door closed. The nurse said they were getting Steve up so we thought Steve was being sat up in bed ready for us to go in and see him. After a short while the room door opened and our Steve came walking out of his room being helped by two nurses! To say this took us back is an understatement. This was the first time his sister and two nieces had seen him walking. He walked towards us very slowly but as he came close he gave the girls such a big smile. It was an emotional moment and it was even made more special because today is the birthday of his youngest niece Louise and she told Steve that was the best birthday present he could of given her. Steve did 7 circuits of the burns centre. The last 2 of these circuits he did even better because the nurses walked along side him but he walked alone without assistance. You could see the determination in his face to do the walk on his own. This was the first time he has walked unaided and as truly great to see.

A little later Steve's aunty uncle and cousin came into see him. They had brought him custards and orange squash so Steve said he was set up for the night with his treats and his TV.

Nearly all of Steve's dressing have been removed now. The only area covered now is the top of his legs. This area of his body is getting better so its only a matter of time before that is uncovered. He is now having lots of baths and physio. Tomorrow he will go into theatre to have a minor operation to see what needs to be done with his left elbow after discovering it was broken last weekend. Steve is not to bothered by this visit he just thinks that it is something that needs to be done and given what he has had to go through over the last several months it is not a major upset to him.

There is a real possibility in the near future of Steve transferring to another Hospital nearer his home. We do not know when yet but will find out soon. This will be great for Steve and Pauline because Steve will hopefully be able to have home visits. Christmas is fast approaching and we hope that Steve will be allowed home for Christmas day. It would be fantastic to have a family get together at Pauline's and Steve's, but we will have to wait and see. If the big fella has anything to do with it he'll be home on the 25/12 and no one will stop him.

Today was a great day filled with highs and no lows. A day where we saw Steve taking small steps on his own road to recovery. His sister summed it up after seeing her brother walking down that corridor by saying with tears of joy in her eye's "its so fantastic seeing him walk. Steve is coming back to us and I am so proud of him".

Gary - Steve's Brother in Law.