Hi everyone. Since Steve’s last blog he has paid another visit to the operating theatre at Wythenshawe Hospital. This last visit which now puts him up towards thirty visits to the operating table was to allow the Surgical Team to carry out work on both his hands. Steve spent a total of three days in Hospital before “convincing” the staff at Wythenshawe they should let him home to be with Pauline. The work was focused around what remains of his fingers, both thumbs and the back of left hand.

Following these operations Steve is currently recovering and is visiting his consultant on a regular basis to ensure the healing process is continuing.

I was speaking to Steve recently and I told him people had been contacting me to ask how he was doing and how his recovery was progressing. As you all know when any one asks me how Steve is doing or wants to pass on good wishes I always let him and Pauline know. It was at this time I suggested updating his latest blog entry for him and with his hands being bandaged in what looked like two boxing gloves he thought it would be a good idea.

Steve and Pauline do get a lot of comfort from people still getting in touch and having a chat with them. Steve keeps in contact with friends both inside and outside of the Fire Service on a regular basis and now he can get out a little more does visit people to get a change of scenery so to speak every now and then.

One of Steve’s passions is his garden and with his happy band of gardening staff!!! spends time directing operations on grass cutting, weeding, planting, moving leaves and creating their own herb and vegetable growing area. Steve is very good at pointing and giving instruction. He does hold the hose pipe to water the planted areas and hasn’t lost his hose management technique. He has attempted to show me his gas cooling techniques to which I looked suitably impressed !.

He is still working hard with his recovery and puts his all into everything he does. He still finds the going hard at times but is supported 24/7 by Pauline. Pauline continues to be an absolute rock for Steve and we as a family have seen the hidden strengths that come out of a person when they have to be a full time carer. Pauline puts her all into Project Steve (Pauline’s term for caring for Steve) and has close family members it is reassuring for us to know Pauline is by his side. I am sure people in our service can relate to this that have to care for loved ones or have family or friends who care for people.

Well it will not be long before Steve is writing his own blog entries again. So hopefully you will only have to put up with this latest one from me. Steve’s blog now has a reply function so if any of you would like to get in touch with Steve and Pauline please send them a message they would be pleased to hear from you.

Steve, Pauline and their families would like to say thank you to everyone for the continued support and to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy safer 2011.


Gary Dewar.