Steve has returned now from Jubilee House and has seen improvements in his recovery during the two weeks he has been there. His left arm is extending more fully and he will have to have the support that he sometimes wears modified to fit the new shape of his arm around the elbow area. When we saw Steve yesterday he was in good spirits and was looking forward to the weekend and having a chilled out couple of days following his two week trip up north.

Steve, Pauline and their families attended the Little Holme Walk awards ceremony last night (24/09) held at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Training Centre. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the presentation of Long Service and Good Conduct awards to personnel who had served in the Fire and rescue Service for 20 years.

Steve was looking forward to the night, being back again with the other firefighters off Green watch from Bolton Central Fire Station who had attended the incident at Little Holme Walk and other friends and colleagues from within the service. Also there was Mr Chisty who owned the property on Little Holme Walk and who was there on the night of that tragic incident.

The night went extremely well with medals and awards being presented to the recipients. Family and friends who had come along to watch their loved ones receiving their medals and awards all had a really nice time.

Steve received a Chief Fire Officers commendation for his work on the night of the incident which went above and beyond the call of duty. He received his award to a standing ovation by everyone. There were a few teary eyes from his family when we saw everyone standing up for Steve, and seeing Steve going up to collect his commendation with a little help from his good friend and fellow fire fighter Carl Haslem from Mr Dixon the Chief Fire Officer. Afterwards Steve said it was a very proud moment for him to receive his commendation from the Chief Fire Officer and he would remember that for a long time to come. He also said that it was great to be with his friends from Green Watch and seeing them all recognised for the efforts on the night. Steve has always maintained that he was part of a team and everyone should have the recognition they deserve.

After the official ceremony everyone gathered for refreshments and we were all able to speak to the recipients of medals and awards and give them our personal congratulations. Steve spoke to many people who said some very nice things to him, Pauline and the family. Thank you to everyone for their encouraging words of support.

Gary.

Steve's trip to Jubilee house therapy centre in Penrith is going well. He is fully involved in all the activities there and has upped his game on certain exercises demonstrating once again his continued recovery. He has been involved in circuit training and he has made good use of the hydro therapy pool and larger swimming pool.He starts this week with a further programme of work and Pauline is helping and supporting him along the way.

You may have noticed that the Pride of Britain Awards have started on ITV. Steve following being nominated for these award decided recently to withdraw. This was due to personal reasons but he has said that he wants to thank everyone who took time to nominate him. He has also said that he may be in a better position next year to be able to become involved in the awards again if he is allowed to be include. Just at this time he cannot commit to the overall event and wants to carry on focusing on his recovery and striving to have a normal life as possible with Pauline.

Gary

Steve and Pauline have now returned to Jubilee House therapy centre. Steve is really looking forward to seeing old friends from the staff at the centre and working hard with them on his continuing recovery. Steve has had some success with his left arm and elbow. It has straightened more and this has spurred him onto put more effort into ensuring that this success does not fall back.

Pauline will no doubt be involved in the rehabilitation programme Steve will be undertaking and will be escorting him to the bar in the evening to ensure he has his (1 pint only) Guinness intake.

This visit will see Steve once again using all the fantastic facilities at the centre and working with the dedicated team of nurses and physios who will no doubt put him through his paces. The last time he was at the centre Steve's recovery took on a new pace and he and we are hoping for the same again this time. This time Steve wants to challenge himself more as always and won't be holding back with his enthusiasm and commitment.

Steve continues to be an inspiration to his family his circle of friends and beyond. He's the only man I know who smiles when he's in pain during or immediately after a work out or physio session because he says its making him better and the pain makes him feel the benefit.

I will keep you updated on Steve's progress at the therapy centre over the next two weeks. Thanks for continuing to read my blog on the big fellas progress and supporting both Steve and his family.

Gary Dewar

Steve's Brother in law.