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!