Sharon Steve's sister and I spent an evening with Steve last Wednesday. We spent 2 hours talking about what he had been doing this week and he told us that he had an appointment to see the consultant who would be taking off one of his toes to place on his left thumb and there was a possibility that another toe could be removed and used to extend the thumb on his right hand. Before that can be done Steve will need surgery on his left elbow to fix the joint and remove loose bits of bones that are floating around in there. Steve is pleased that these appointments are coming up but he'll have to wait 8 weeks for the first one.

Whilst we were with him Steve did some stepping up and down on his step board doing a number of steps on each foot and leg. He is able to move is right foot a little more, but now has to contend with an in growing toe nail on the big toe of his right foot!!! Steve said it had better get sorted before they put it on his thumb. we had a laugh over family things and then we left Steve when he wanted to go to bed saying that I would see him again on Friday morning.

Today (30/1) I picked up Steve and Pauline at Chorley Hospital to take them to Jubilee House Therapy Centre for a visit. Steve is keen to progress his recovery and Lesley Wardle the Northwest Regional Fire fighters Charity coordinator had very kindly set up the visit for us.
We arrived and were met by Lesley, Neil ( Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service), Darren (Burns nurse) and Simon (Physio). We did the introductions and then following lunch Darren and Simon gave us a tour of the Centre. Steve, Pauline and I asked questions and both the guys were very helpful in explaining everything and made Steve and Pauline aware of what was available for Steve with various therapies and treatments. All 3 of us were very impressed with the Centre and the excellent facilities it provides along with the staff member we met who were all very professional approachable and pleased to see us. Steve said to me after he had been around the Centre that after seeing what the Centre provides for Fire fighters and their families he would always try raising funds for the Charity when he is better. He cannot wait to get there and start doing some hard work with the Physios and Nursing Team. He also said it was a pity that I had not taken a camera because he wanted to show people who had been doing so much work fund raising or people who had donated money what their hard work and money was contributing to and how the Therapy Centre was going to help him. I did tell Steve that the Fire fighters Charity Web site did have pictures on it with info about the Centre.

All of us especially Steve left Jubilee house with a real positive feel about what was to come for Steve and it definitely lifted Steve's spirits and left him in no doubt that there was more care to come for him to help in the future with his continuing recovery.

Steve, Pauline and I want to say a big thank you to everyone I have mentioned previously along with the Andrew the Centre Manager. They all made the day informative, interesting and enjoyable.

Steve is now home for the weekend. He and Pauline will again spend time together before Steve has to go back to Hospital on Sunday evening.

The next big fund raising event is the Charity football match between Salford Fire fighters and the All Stars Team. At the moment Steve may not be well enough to attend but on the other hand you never know!

Steve has had a busy week this last week. He continues with the physio and the treatment for his burns. He is getting used to wearing the pressure bandages and they appear to be having a positive effect on his damaged skin.

He has had the audiology test during the week. The results have come back which unfortunately indicated that Steve will require hearing aids in both his ears. This is obviously not the result which Steve wanted but he is dealing with this in the best way he can. We as a family are supporting him and keeping him positive.

He also attended Preston Hospital to have tests carried out on his right foot and ankle which is not yet functioning as it should do. Steve told us what the tests involved which was a procedure where the nerves within the foot and ankle area were checked using needles to stimulate the whole area. Steve told us this was painful and Pauline told us that Steve was very brave going through what he had to go through. He is currently waiting for the full results of these tests.
Steve came home on Friday Lunch time this week. We spent Friday evening with him and Pauline. He was in good spirits and was looking forward to spending the weekend at home. These home visits are very important for both Steve and Pauline. Pauline has told us that the Hospital have said that once the Stair lift is installed then it will only be a short time before Steve is allowed to come home on a more permanent basis. The stairlift has been sourced and Steve is currently waiting for it to be installed. In his words "the sooner the better".

This week coming up we will hopefully get Steve and Pauline up to Jubilee house for the day. The Regional Fire fighters Charity rep has very kindly sorted out the day for Steve which will involve him looking around the Therapy Centre and meeting the Staff there. I will be driving Steve and Pauline up to the Therapy Centre and also spending the day with them. I have never visited the Centre myself so it will be an opportunity for me to bring info back to the wider family and let them know what is available for Steve's continuing recovery.

Steve has had a good weekend. He came home on Saturday and was able to stay overnight with Pauline. Whilst at home Steve went out into the local park near where he lives and had a walk in the fresh air. He said that did him a world of good and staying at home (first time in nearly 7 months) was so nice and made him realise all the hard work so far as been worth it. He's planning to be home more in the near future with the permission of the Doctors so let's hope that's the case.

His treatments are continuing and Steve is getting stronger day by day. The pressure bandages are helping him as are the new dressings which are being used on his rear. We have not been given a date for the fitting of the Stairlift yet but we know that one has been ordered so it should be to long now.

Steve is upbeat and positive in his own mind at the moment. Pauline worked very hard this weekend looking after Steve making sure he had all the care he required. As I've already said previously, Pauline is fantastic with Steve as you would expect but to see the love, care and attention she gives Steve is truly heart warming.

I am seeing Steve tonight so I'll update the blog again soon.

Steve was in great form tonight when Sharon, his mum and I visited him at the hospital. He gave us a big smile tonight when we walked in and told us how good it was to see us. We noticed that Steve was wearing his pressure bandages on his legs. Steve explained to us the benefit of wearing these bandages and how they assist with the healing of the skin that has been burned. The hard bit is he has to wear these pressure bandages on his arms and legs for approximately 2 years. They are only removed for 2 hours each day when cream is applied to his skin grafted areas. Steve explained that it was hard for him each time the bandages were replaced as they were tight and have to be pulled over the skin grafts which does wear him out because he has to breath hard and push against the force of the bandage being pulled on. Steve said he doesn't mind the hard work and given what he has gone through so far its a small price to pay in getting better.

Whilst we were there we walked with Steve several times around the ward. His walking is slowly improving and he is standing taller now and walking with more confidence in his step. He told me tonight that his right foot is improving in the way it moves and Steve is confident now that the right foot will return to somewhere near normal in the future.

Steve has had physio today this involved Steve attempting to write with his left hand. He told us that although it was painful and difficult he managed to write the verse Mary Had a little lamb. This again is another milestone in his recovery and gives further encouragement to Steve.
Steve spoke at length tonight about how he is looking forward and not back. He said he wasn't dwelling on what happened to him and didn't hold any grudges against anyone person. He told his mum and sister life really is to short to worry about things that he could do nothing about and being angry didn't solve anything. Steve said he wanted to achieve more in his life and looking back would only hold him back. Tonight we saw the Steve Morris we knew several months ago. The man had more determination in his voice but spoke with the voice of reason and hope for his and Pauline's future.

He talked about how great it was that his friends had been going during the day to give him the exercise he needs by walking round and the family and friends who visit at night and do the same. He is still amazed and humbled by all the support he is getting from everyone and told me once again to say thank you.

He gave us some more good news that this weekend if all goes to plan he will have his first full overnight stay at home. He has had a bed provided by Chorley Hospital and this has been placed downstairs. Steve is really looking forward to spending the night at home with Pauline and hopefully this will be the start of more longer home visits. The Fire Fighters Charity has secured the stair lift for him and once this is fitted Steve may be home for good sooner rather than later.
There were lighter moments in the visit. His mum had brought a number of photos of Steve and his friends on holiday a good few years ago. Steve was highly amused by the boy band hair cuts and dodgy clothing along with the lobster style sun tans!!!. Steve and I also discussed the fake fainting technique we have adopted when asked to do something in the house or when asked a questioned that we didn't want to answer. We also discussed the Patagonian fainting mountain goat where the fainting technique had been taken from. Steve mentioned his one very hairy knee. I suggested that this piece of skin could be removed and grafted on to the top of his head. In the big scheme of things I said what was one more graft. The reply was highly amusing but unprintable in this blog.

We left Steve when the nurse came in to give him his medication. He thanked us for coming and I told him who was visiting him tomorrow day and in the evening. He said he was looking forward to seeing the people.

Steve has had a good weekend. He has been home again and spent time with Pauline. These home visits are a great motivation for Steve to keep working on his recovery. It also allows Pauline and Steve to have time together and assists Pauline by letting her care for Steve directly so getting her ready for when Steve comes home for good.

Steve has had further visits to Wythenshawe Hospital and he has been accompanied on these visits by Pauline and at certain times nursing staff from Chorley Hospital. These visits as you know from my previous blogs are to ensure Steve's care is continuing and that he is fully involved in having his say on his medical care. He is now waiting for a number of consultations with various specialists who will advise him on his recovery and aftercare on the injuries he has received and these are not just directly related to his burn injuries. Due to the pain Steve is currently experiencing in the burned areas to the rear of the top of his legs he has had the type of dressings changed to see if this pain can be reduced, to make him more comfortable when either sat or lay down, and promote quicker healing.

Physio is continuing at a pace with Steve's exercise regime extending to include more specific areas of work such has his hands and right ankle. His walking is still coming along with Steve's technique getting better and his walking being more upright and normal.

Within himself Steve at the moment seems to be coping. He still suffers some downs from time to time but he always gets his chin up with the help of Pauline, his family and most importantly his own determination. Steve is reading more now which keeps him up to date with current events. Its great for the family now because we discuss and talk about lots of different things which interest Steve and its not all about his recovery from the injuries he has received. Steve likes to be kept up to speed with what's happening in the Brigade and is still amazed at the ongoing fund raising efforts by people both inside and outside of the Service.

Thanks for reading my blog. I'll up date you all again soon.

Sharon Steve's sister and I visited Steve last night at Chorley Hospital. When we arrived he was sat in a chair in his room reading his newspaper. After a short chat we asked Steve if he wanted to have a walk around. I put his trainers on and then got ready to help him stand up. He told me it was ok and that he would try and stand up himself. He summoned his strength and then to our delight he stood up without any help. After he steadied himself Steve along with us walked around the ward a number of times. His walking technique is getting better and he is putting his right foot down more normally now. We worked on quality with him last night. Getting him to walk slowly but in a more correct manner. Steve was pleased with himself and when he returned to his room he amazed us again by sitting down in his chair on his own. Another milestone reached and further encouragement that his recovery is continuing.

Pauline arrived as Steve was sitting down in his chair. We continued chatting and we had the obligatory Guinness with Steve. Steve also informed me that he had 36 mince pies to get through. Which he is doing slowly but surely.

He is visiting Wythenshawe Hospital next week for an outreach visit. His pressure bandages are still helping him with the skin grafts and he is getting more used to wearing them.

Steve is now waiting for the day he can come home and stay home. He is having regular home visits but has been told that once he has a stair lift fitted and a bed downstairs then his pain and medical management can be done more from home. The Doctors have said that going home will assist further with his recovery. Pauline is currently waiting for a decision to be made by the Fire fighters Charity to see if they can assist Steve with purchasing these items. Once they have been fitted he'll be home sooner rather than later.

Steve has also been nominated by Bolton Borough Command Team for the beneficiary of courage award within the Spirit of Fire Awards. He is very grateful to have been considered and nominated and wants me to thank everyone once again for their support and kind thoughts.
Steve is being visited tonight ( 7/1) by 2 of his family. He has asked that he only have two visitors per visit at this time. He is tired quite a lot now from his physio and going home at the moment. These things combined with the pain he still has to go through with the grafts does take its toll and having more than 2 visitors is a little difficult for him to manage.

We will see Steve at weekend. I'll update the blog again after we have seen him. Take Care.

Steve has had in his own words a great Christmas and New Year. On Boxing day a few of his friends from outside of the fire service went and spent time with him at hospital making it another Christmas day event by taking him presents of mince pies and Guinness. Steve had a great time with these lads.He spent a short time out of hospital between Christmas and New Year with Pauline on their own at their house. This was quality time for both of them and they both had a little piece of normality albeit for a short while together.

On New Year's eve the family again all met at Pauline and Steve's house. We spent an afternoon and early evening with Steve and he said he really enjoyed all the family getting together and having good times once again. He spoke about 2009 being a better year for us all and that there was no point looking back on 2008. Steve went back to hospital at 7 pm that night as he was very tired and needed to rest.

Steve has now had his pressure bandages fitted onto his arms and hands. These will assist with the healing process and Steve has already seen some difference to the swelling on his hands which has started to go down. The physios have been working on his posture while he his walking and have made a walking a little more normal for him. His right foot still is not functioning as it should but with the work on his posture has brought some improvement in his ankle area. Steve has said he is going to work harder on the way he walks by making sure he follows the physios directions on how to set his posture right.

The burns on the sides of his head are healing well. Pauline is getting more involved now with hands on care for Steve and is doing a sterling job. He is still having a little difficulty with his hearing but both his ears are healing well although the left ear is slightly disfigured.

The majority of the skin grafts are healing well. Steve is still experiencing pain and bleeding in the burned area just below his buttocks. This does cause him discomfort and he needs to frequently change his position if he is in a sitting position. The Staff at Chorley hospital are looking after Steve very well and he still makes frequent trips back to the Burns Centre at Wythenshawe hospital to have his injuries assessed and this also gives both Steve and Pauline a chance to ask questions about the treatments he his receiving and to discuss anything that his on his mind.

His recovery is progressing. He will be in hospital for a while longer but eventually he will be home. That may be within a couple of months.It will possibly be about 2 years that Steve will need to be under the care of both Wythenshawe and Chorley hospital medical staff, not as an inpatient but at the outpatients dept of both hospitals. Eventually this will get to a point where Steve no longer needs constant medical attention. During this time he will also be having treatment at the Jubilee house rehab centre through the Fire fighters Charity.

Steve and Pauline asked me to pass on through this blog their very best wishes to everyone who has supported and looked after them since that terrible night in June last year. They want everyone to have a happy, safe and peaceful 2009. A new year has begun. Steve is looking forward to making progress with his recovery and both he and Pauline are looking forward to making plans for the years to come.

Steve just before Christmas took me totally by surprise between the 2nd and 3rd floors of Chorley Hospital while his sister and I were taking him outside in his wheel chair for a wander round. He said he wanted to ask me something. I leaned forward to listen to the question and then was taken aback when he asked me to be the best man at Pauline and his wedding. He told me why he had asked me to carry out the best mans role and I was very humbled by that. I of course accepted and told him how honoured I was that he had asked me. I did say that on the big day I would be the 2nd best man. We all know who the best man is.