Firefighter Steve Morris

2011-11-03T00:18:00.001Z

Hi All, Steve here!

Just recently I had an appointment with the Disablement Services Centre (DSC) in Withington. I've had quite a few appointments here over the past 3 years! The DSC are an NHS service who recommend and make prosthetics for amputees. The DSC is yet another part of the NHS that (before my incident) I'd never heard of. I knew amputees 'must' get their prosthesis from somewhere, but never thought where?

The DSC don't just deal with prosthetics. They also provide aids and adaptations for people when they've say. . . lost their fingers (as in my case). How do you hold a knife and fork? Fortunately for me, I can just about manage with a normal fork. But a knife is impossible, my fingers are way too short. So what to do? Do you have someone else cut your food up for you all the time? So embarrassing in restaurants that I can't begin to tell you. Well 'NO!" is the answer to that!

The solution is to have something made or adapted especially for you. This is where the DSC come in. They have experienced technicians to help people like me, who have lost the ability to do what they once could. They truly are unsung heroes!

Now as I said earlier, I've been going to the DSC for quite some time. And of course there are a number of disabled people in it's waiting area. And as I've said in previous blogs, life for some people is extremely challenging. There's a part of me that wants to go over and help them out in some way, though heaven knows how. But since the incident, I've been exposed to that many people with so many different challenges, that it's desensitised me somewhat. It's toughened me up, if you like! Just as you'd expect a firefighter should be! Well, that WAS the case until my last visit to the DSC.

On my last visit, Pauline and myself entered the waiting area and the only people there was a little girl and her nurse. The girl looked to be about the age of 7 or 8 and she was in a wheelchair. She was just in front of us to the left hand side, and as we approached, she looked over her right shoulder towards both of us. The nurse who was with her was gently brushing her hair. I smiled at the little girl, Pauline said 'Hello' but she didn't smile back and didn't answer. She had sparkling blue eyes which were alert and she took in everything. She kept looking back at us, looking away, back at us again, but she was completely expressionless.

The smile and the knowing look her nurse gave me said so much. A terrible burn injury was on right side of the girl's face. And a blanket haphazardly placed upon her lap hid her legs - I wasn't sure if she had legs, but I thought she didn't. She'd lost her left hand as well. And what other injuries lay beneath (physically & mentally) I can't bare to imagine.

The sight of this girl just broke our hearts. We left that waiting room really dejected. We both felt devastated and sad. She'd clearly been involved in a fire and had suffered a great deal. We both just wanted to go over, comfort and protect her (as though that would make it all better). But that would only make ourselves feel better. It's awful when this sort of thing happens to anyone, but especially to a child.

We started talking about how we could help the little girl. We thought that there wasn't much we could do for her now, but we felt we needed to do something. But where do you start, and how? Is it to help someone after they suffer an injury, through aids and adaptations? Well, there's definitely place for that - it's called the DSC! And there's quite a few organisations and charities that help disabled people too. Or is it to put something in place so that people don't get injured in the first place? I think we can all answer that.

But apart from prevention and rehabilitation, there's also a place for treatment which reduces the impact of an injury. Medical intervention is the answer. This way (if we can improve the results of treatment), amputations could be minimised or even avoided. And the impact of disfigurement caused by fire, cancers and congenital abnormalities could be reduced too! All of which I've seen at the DSC!

If only there was a charity or organisation somewhere who could help fund the research needed. Well there is! It's called The Healing Foundation, it's Ambassador is Simon Weston and it's mission is as follows:

"The Healing Foundation is a national fundraising charity. It champions the cause of people living with disfigurement and the visible loss of function. It does this by funding research into pioneering surgical and psychological healing techniques. Through research, it also raises awareness about the causes, and provides information about the sources of support.

Hundreds of thousands of people are affected by disfigurement due to congenital abnormalities or disease. Or even scarring from accidents or surgical procedures. It's not only the physical, but also the emotional scars that can cause severe psychological problems. Problems which they and their families must overcome.

There is an immense need for more research, particularly in areas of tissue regeneration. Then burns and the psychological aspects of disfigurement can be addressed more successfully. And, in certain conditions that affect children also. At present, no national strategy for research exists. There is enormous scope for improvement, collaboration, education and awareness."

I'm very pleased you've read this blog, and I hope it's given you insight into what some people have to deal with. If you feel that you'd like to help in some way, please visit http://www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/stevenmorris1. Or if this link doesn't work, search for virgin money giving and in 'find a friend', enter 'steve morris'. Given the season, I can't think of a better time to fund research into burns, scarring and disfigurement! Thanks very much!

Now I always end these blogs with a fire safety message. And given the time of year that it is, it would be remiss of me not to mention these facts:

* Remember - fireworks are explosive devices. As well as containing explosive chemical compounds they also contain chemicals made from metals such as Strontium, Lithium, and Potassium. Although most chemicals in fireworks are non-toxic, some are and may cause skin irritations and some could be dangerous if ingested or inhaled.

* The average sparkler burns at up to 2,000 degrees centigrade - that's '20 times' hotter than a freshly boiled kettle. Which is why you should NEVER give one to a child under 5, and you should closely supervise children over 5.

* A typical rocket can reach up to 150 miles per hour, and as high as 200 metres.

* In any typical year around 1,300 people need hospital treatment due to a firework injury; and around 500 of these injuries happen at a family or private party.

* Lighting too many fireworks at once will leave you little time to get out of the way before they go off. When professionals set off large scale displays they use special set ups and electronic timer switches to set off massive amounts of fireworks at once - and from a safe distance. You are never going to recreate this affect in your back garden. So set your fireworks off a few at a time, and make sure you make everyone aware of what you are doing.

* Always read and follow the instructions on each firework.

* It is illegal for any retailer to sell fireworks to children under the age of 18.

That's all for this time, so be safe, and take care.

FF Steve Morris

2011-09-06T15:07:00.001+01:00

Hi all, Steve here!

A few months ago I attended the I'm Not Laughing campaign against disability hate crime. It was launched on 25th June at The Bar, Nelson Square , and managed by the Bolton Be Safe Partnership with Bolton Neighbourhood Policing Team. I was pleased to attend and got a snapshot of what it was like for others with disabilities. Some spoke openly of how they'd been poorly treated by others and how this was a step in the right direction to ensure that people who visit town are treated equally and with respect.

Further to this event was the Bolton Fire Station Open Day held on Saturday 20th August. The town's Mayor was kind enough to open this event, and one aspect of the day was to highlight the campaign once again. I was at the Open Day and gave a Bolton Evening News reporter an interview which appeared recently in the paper. Whilst I was there, I had a good chat with some of my mates and I must say they were all working hard to make the day a success, and as a result everyone had a good time!

And the latest news with regards to my health - I attended a scheduled appointment at Wythenshawe hospital and my consultant has decided that I don't need any further operations on my arm, just intense physio.

And the news socially - Pauline and I had been engaged for 3 years (I finally relented and proposed after 7 years of hints and a near death experience!!!). But we were putting off actually getting married because of all the fuss and stress involved. However Pauline's dad suffered a stroke and a very close family friend had a heart condition and both were in hospital at the same time. As we wanted both of them to be there at our wedding when they recovered, we set a date and arranged everything within 2 months! It was the most under-planned and understated wedding of the year! Pauline only bought her dress 3 weeks before - that was a relief, I thought she was gonna wear her best jeans! And she ordered her bouquet and the wedding car a week before! At one point she was considering driving herself there, but then thought better of it cos her legs would've got knotted up in her wedding dress. If she had managed to drive there she would've had to wear her trainers to work the pedals! Talk about 'The Runaway Bride'!!!

And so on Saturday 4th June 2011 at 4pm, we finally got married! Our marriage took place at Astley Hall in Astley Park , Chorley . It was witnessed by a huge congregation of guests - all 14 including the photographer! This mass of people went on to have a delicious meal at Season's Bistro in the heart of Chorley - just opposite the Courts & Police Station, just in case there was any trouble!

Astley Hall is a splendid old Hall that dates back to Elizabethan times, and it was during England 's Civil War that Oliver Cromwell stayed there after he sacked Preston - which was nice!

The ceremony was held in Astley Hall's smallest dining room, overlooking the lake. On this lake amongst other birds are swans, geese and ducks and on the sunny day that it was they were welcome distraction for me while I waited for Pauline, not that I was nervous - I'd thrown up twice that morning which put paid to that!!!

When the ceremony began, Pauline entered the dining room and the whole room lit up (she told me to say this) as she walked down the aisle - she looked beautiful in her wedding dress. She doesn't normally wear a dress at all and prefers to wear jeans and the like, so seeing her like that was stunning in itself! She walked slowly with her father by her side to a song called 'Happy Heart' by Andy Williams - I almost shed a tear! Not because of Pauline and the fact that she looked so lovely, but because her dad was 'smiling' - at last he was getting rid of her!

Did you know that there's a choice of 3 different marriage declarations? There's the big one (lots of words - goes on a bit!), a medium one (fewer words but still a bit too much for us to say!) and a very-small-and-lets-get-on-with-it one (just right! - this all sounds a bit Goldilocks doesn't it!). And yes you've guessed it - we chose the one with the least words! In a nut shell it was "Are you Steven Morris" and I reply "I am!" and do you take Pauline to be your wife etc, etc and I say "Yeah alright then!".

Now if you went down this route it's customary to have a reading from one of the guests (to fill the time a bit) but we didn't want any of our guests to be put on the spot. Prior to this Pauline and myself had discussed the format of the wedding with the lady who was arranging the ceremony, and she was flapping a bit saying; "but without a reading the service would be over and done with in 15 minutes!" Suits us, we said! She tried to convince us that it would be 'lovely' to have a reading and that it made the occasion more 'personal' - but we just wanted to be married! So that was that!

After a short ceremony we had a slightly longer champagne reception, and that's because of all the photo's that were taken. And while Pauline and I were giving the cameraman our best smiles, our mass of guests (now 13 as the cameraman was with us) enjoyed wandering round Astley Hall drinking Tesco's own Asti Spumante (a working man's champagne and only £6.54 a bottle) - perfect!

Later we made our way to a local restaurant, Pauline and I travelled in a blue Rolls Royce provided by Belle's & Beau's - it was great! Incidentally, just for a moment imagine that you are surfing the internet searching for a wedding car company that suits your needs, and from the many which are advertised you find the perfect one. What would you say the chances are that the person who owns it works for the same outfit you do - virtually nil I would have said! Well to our surprise, Belle's & Beau's is owned by Glyn and Colleen Hodgkinson! Glyn works for GMC Fire Service and he drove us to Astley Hall and back again! On the back of this chance happening, I put a pound on the lottery that week, and now I'm a 'multi millionaire'! - Not!... I lost a pound. I blame Glyn for that.

Now as much as I would like to describe what happened in the restaurant I'm afraid that's going to go unsaid - but it's just as well the Police Station and the Courts were nearby! Oh the shame!

And finally on a serious note, and I'm very sorry to bring this particular blog to a sad end but this needs to be said;

On the weekend 16th July Watch Commander Bernie Lawson was admitted to Royal Bolton Hospital 's Intensive Care Unit with a serious illness. After his admission he was put into a medically induced coma for his comfort and to my knowledge was critical several times, but managed to fight back. Sadly, on the evening of Friday 29th July, Bernie passed away.

Bernie (age 50) was a lovely man who was a good friend to my brother-in-law Gary & my sister Sharon. Bernie served for 28 years, he was stationed at Farnworth on Green watch and went on to serve at Agecroft on Green watch, Eccles on Green & Red watch, Salford on Red watch and also worked at Fire Service Headquarters in Fire Safety and The Children & Young Persons Dept. As you can see he certainly wasn't a man to stand still and loved the job for all it was worth.

I have to say that I only knew Bernie in passing (the connection being my brother-in-law & sister) but at his funeral - which sadly I could not attend - I'm told his daughter Jessica gave a lovely speech about her dad of which he would have been proud.

There was standing room only and most people congregated outside the church which shows how much the man was loved and respected - I feel like I've missed out on getting to know him better.

If you feel that you'd like celebrate Bernie's life with a donation, Maria has suggested The Firefighters Charity or The Intensive Care Unit at The Royal Bolton Hospital NHS

On behalf of Pauline and myself, I would like to extend our heartfelt sorrow to Bernie's wife Maria and children Jessica & Jason.

Well on that solemn note, that's all for this time.

FF Steve Morris

PS Always make sure you have a working smoke alarm!

2011-05-17T20:41:00.001+01:00

Hi all, Steve here!

On the health front...

You'll all know by now that I've had a terrible time with my left elbow - getting it to function like everyone else's is proving difficult to say the least! And that problem is unfortunately still with me. I've got a further appointment with the specialist in about a month's time. And my right arm, leg and foot still have a tendency to do what THEY want to do making coordination difficult and tiring. My hands have had all the operations that I can take, and so it's now just a case of getting more used to them. As for the burn injuries, they've healed and my skin grafts are now becoming supple - it's just my shins that still bleed now and again - this is an area where they harvested 'healthy' skin from to graft over my burnt skin.

And on the social front...

A few years from now I hope to have the energy to get about more and be able to walk better. And when I can, I'll be able then to meet my friends for a drink or two in Bolton. At the moment, I occasionally go to a pub in Chorley with a few mates who live here - it's a pub that's nearby and it's on the flat so I can walk in without my friends having to hoist me up over the threshold. Most people know me there and understand that I have difficulties. It's pretty obvious to be honest - people can't help but notice that I've lost most of my fingers and that I struggle walking. People can plainly see that I have disabilities. So I'm really surprised when the odd person in the pub, and sometimes (even MORE bizarrely) in the street makes the comment "Whaayy be careful there mate, look's like you've had one too many!" as they see me stumbling about!

As I've said, most people do understand, but just now and again (usually when THEY'VE had one too many) I do get that kind of comment made. I've NO doubt they mean no harm whatsoever. And it's probably that they feel awkward for me, and it's a way to make light of an awkward situation - a sort of self defence mechanism - to make THEM feel more comfortable. And why should I feel offended? After all nowadays it's a badge of honour to be drunk! It's certainly NOT something that people get embarrassed about anymore. In fact some people set out to get drunk in the first place, just to 'wind down', get giddy and to have a good laugh with their mates at things that in the cold light of day aren't that funny! Even the side-effects of getting drunk like wobbly legs, a lack of control and falling over are worthy of a snigger! Except all of these affect me ALL the time - and I'm not drunk - and I'm definitely not laughing!

So why am I mentioning this, when you know I normally prefer to stay up-beat and cheerful in my blogs? Well I'll tell you. I was told about a 19 year old girl who was on a night out with her boyfriend, he's 29. The girl and her boyfriend were accompanied by another couple in their teens and they all went round Bolton town centre last December. This night was unlike all the other times she'd been out before because usually the girl is accompanied by members of her family. She was born with Achondraplasia, which basically means that she's much smaller than most people, and so her family (understandably) are concerned for her and usually go out with her. Incidentally, her boyfriend was born with the same condition and one of her other friends who was with them had a stroke some time ago, and at times finds it difficult to walk.

Now, the girl had decided to go into town without her family for once as she felt it had been fine all the other times, and the pubs they were going in felt safe. It's because of this, she persuaded her mum to allow them to enjoy the night by themselves. Her mum reluctantly agreed.

They made their way into town by taxi and went into a couple of pubs - these were pubs which they'd been to before and felt comfortable in. They then went on to another bar which had a dance floor, the pub was busy but they wanted to have a dance. As they danced her boyfriend noticed that they were being stared at by a group of lads, but they ignored them.

After a while the couple made their way back to their seats but the group continued to stare and point at them, laughing and swearing as well. This went on for a while, so they decided to leave. But as they left, so did the group of lads, and they continued to take the mickey, acting silly and pretending that they couldn't see the girl and her boyfriend.

The whole group were laughing, swearing and abusing them, and the girl then began to get upset. And what made this experience worse, was that the door staff who were supposed to protect people from this sort of thing, just stood outside with their arms folded, watching and sniggering!

The lads went on to surround them, laughing and joking at their expense. And still the door staff did nothing! They managed to get into a taxi, and as they drove away they could still hear the group shouting behind them!

When they got home the girl couldn't stop crying, and her mum began to panic thinking that they'd been attacked! It took some time for the girl to calm down and explain what had happened.

No doubt the group of lads were blissfully unaware of the harm they caused this girl and her boyfriend, and probably went on that night to enjoy themselves. Going unchallenged by the door staff didn't help matters, it just affirmed that this is acceptable behaviour. But it's not the door staff's fault all this, although they could and should have got involved. The fault lies completely with the group of cowards who thought it would be a good laugh picking on someone who was different! How brave of them! Their mothers' would be so proud - NOT!!!

I said earlier that I'm hoping to enjoy a night out round Bolton at some point, and I spoke of my experience of going to a pub in Chorley. Although, I think you'll agree that my experience was just a poor joke that made me feel uncomfortable and annoyed, something that we can ALL be subject to, this girl's experience was a disgraceful display of bullying that was one step short of assault!

And what's the end result of all this? Well she bravely brought it to the attention of the Police, and several months later here we are!

There's now a campaign underway to make people aware that there IS a problem in Bolton town that needs addressing. The campaign is called "I'm Not Laughing". In the run up to the campaign day (25th of June) there will be posters dotted around the town to highlight the problem. I've been asked to get involved.

And what now for the girl? Unfortunately, the girl and her boyfriend no longer feel comfortable going into Bolton, and in fact she feels insecure now about going out at all!

I hope she feels differently after the campaign.

Now on a more personal note I must say congratulation's to Geoff Ackroyd on his retirement from the Fire Service. Geoff served for 32 years, and from 2005 up until April of this year he was the Borough Commander of Salford. For the general public who are curious at where Geoff stood in relation to myself, there were 'just' 5 ranks between us! I reckon I would've caught him up though eventually and gone on to be the very first firefighter IN SPACE TOO!.................... WITHOUT A SPACESHIP!!!

Given my track record, I reckon I would've survived re-entry!

It only leaves me to say "Geoff, from myself and on behalf of all those who couldn't attend your leaving do - thanks for all you've done Boss! And have a happy retirement"

Well, once again that's all for now, so until the next time, take care of yourselves!

FF Steve Morris

PS Always make sure you have a working Smoke Alarm.

2011-03-07T22:59:00.002Z

Hi all, Steve here!

Recently I've been waiting for an operation on my elbow to take place. 'Not another one!' I hear you all say! Oh yes, another one!

You see, the other 2 operations weren't as successful as I'd hoped. So once again in order free-up my elbow joint, they had to remove some calcified bone from the crook of my arm. Basically the excess bone was preventing my arm from bending. And so, early Friday morning on February 11th, Pauline and I travelled to Wythenshawe hospital. The route we took was the same as always, so we both just sat in the back seat while my car drove itself there - just kidding!

At Wythenshawe hospital they have a new system for booking in now. Everyone having an operation that morning checks in at 7.30 am, then sits in a waiting room waiting to be called for their operation.

The old system meant that everyone would be taken to their own room or a ward, where you'd be told what number you were on the list for surgery, but at least you could relax and chat before your operation.

This new system meant that everyone would be sitting in a waiting room, with their belongings, waiting to be called for surgery! It looked like we were all in the departure lounge of an airport, waiting to go someplace nice - but it wasn't nice!!!

Now the last time I was waiting for an operation, I was STARVING HUNGRY! You see, you have to fast for 9 hrs before your surgery, and I'd not eaten since 12 midnight - by the time they were taking me to theatre, it was nearly lunch time!

For this operation, I had AGAIN been fasting since midnight - but I suppose all this can't be helped. I could only pray that I would be somewhere near the front of the queue. Well, my prayers were answered this time because I WAS FIRST! I was really pleased. Being a bit of a hungry hippo I was beginning to look like Thomas the cat (from the Tom And Jerry cartoons) floating towards Mammy's freshly baked pie cooling on the windowsill - only with me I was floating towards the canteen following the smell of breakfast which was wafting throughout the hospital! It was nothing less than torture!!!

The operation took around 5 hrs, and when I came round I was once again tied to a hospital bed via plastic tubes. One tube came from my bandaged arm to a pint bottle which was slowly filling with blood. This blood would cause a problem if left undrained - it could cause my arm to swell up causing pain and bruising. Now I ask you, what could be worse than being restrained like this? Well I'll tell you - having no feeling whatsoever in your arm, that's what! Not only could I not feel my arm, I couldn't even move it! I tried to move my fingers, but I couldn't! Then I tried to bend my elbow, I couldn't do that either! I found that I couldn't even LIFT my arm off the bed! My arm from my shoulder down, was paralysed!!!

Now this situation was expected - as I've been here before. But even so it's a bit disconcerting and weird when you've got a lifeless arm attached to your torso. Especially when you need to use the toilet. It took 2 nurses to take me there, one to help me out of bed and the other to carry my bottle of blood, (which was a constant companion throughout the night!) When I stood up to use the loo for the first time, my lifeless arm weighed an absolute ton and nearly toppled me over! The 3 of us reached the toilet, then one nurse waited outside while the other followed me in with the bottle. She placed the bottle on the floor, then pulled my pants down for me (very embarrassing) and then helped me to sit on the loo. She had the courtesy to leave while I used the toilet, then came back in when I was ready. Throughout the night, this routine was performed 5 times! I was exhausted in the morning, and swore that this was the very LAST operation I was ever going to have. I felt tired, sore and generally fed up with myself. I long for the day when all this is behind me, and can go about life in a normal way - along with everyone else!

On the sociable front, this year's Valentines Ball took place on the 19th of February at The Reebok Stadium, Bolton. It was the 3rd outing for this event, and once again it was in support of 'Help for Heroes' and 'The Firefighters Charity'. I mentioned earlier that my operation took place on the 11th - just a week before the Ball! This unforeseen occurrence had me concerned. Would I be well enough to attend? Would I have a big bandage on my arm? If so, I wouldn't be hiring a DJ as I did the year before! And would my arm be too sore to enjoy myself? Well, I did attend! I did have a 'small' bandage on, but I knew I'd be more comfortable with my own shirt on, so in the end I didn't hire a DJ! And yes, it was sore! But thanks to lots of LEGAL drugs, it wasn't too sore to enjoy myself! And boy did I enjoy myself, it was a brilliant night! Everyone had a fantastic time! And for me, my cousins and my friends who all came along in support of this good cause, the night was over all too fast! Many thanks to them for their support! And a BIG thanks to Brian Wiggans and Steve Parkinson for going to the trouble - and believe me, it is troublesome - to sort the Valentines Ball in the first place! You've done a good job and a great service for injured Soldiers and Firefighters alike. Thanks fellas! And not to forget the priceless help of my mate Carl Haslam, without whom we wouldn't have had a Valentines Ball website to look at - which looks great and we wouldn't have had the moving footage of our armed forces performing their duties in Afganistan. This was a compilation of scenes put together by Carl to music, displayed on 2 large screens of our lads in action. Sadly, both of these would only have been viewed by the people who attended the Ball, but trust me it was top stuff! Cheers Carlos! In fact I believe Carl has now added the link to the video on the Valentines Web Site, so you can judge for yourself. http://www.heroesvalentineball.co.uk

Well thats all for this time, apart for one last thing! Good luck, to Jan Makinson and Anne Porter both whom work at W59 Broughton. Jan who works as a clerk and her friend Anne Porter who's a cook at the same station are - in aid of The Firefighters Charity - going to run the 'Tunnel to Towers' Marathon held in New York. I'm sure Anne will know all about the required carbohydrates you should take on board before such an endeavour. I remember well, having my own private 'Pasta Party' the night before a Marathon - it never increased my speed, but it tasted good and got me round the course - just!!!

So, once again until the next time, look after yourselves!

FF Steve Morris.

PS Always make sure you have a working Smoke Alarm!

2011-01-11T22:32:00.000Z

Hi all, Steve here!

Firstly, I'd like to thank Gaz Dewar for stepping in on my behalf to write the last blog for 2010. Most of you may know he's my brother-in-law, and it's at times like this that I'm pleased I managed to persuade my sister to marry him! You see, Sharon's bedroom was bigger than mine and if she moved out, I could move in! So, cheers Gaz! Oh! And Shaz!

My last visit to Wythenshawe Hospital was to remove the webbing between my thumbs and forefingers in order to improve my dexterity So whenever I pick something up, I have a greater chance of holding on to it! I never struggled with a pint of Guinness, but seemed to struggle with other things!

I'd decided prior to the operation in order to get it over and done with, to have both my hands operated on at the same time. This would cause me a problem initially as I obviously wouldn't be able to use either hand for anything! But for a couple of week's discomfort and the inability to do the general everyday things we all take for granted, I felt it was worth it. Plus I have a wonderful nurse in Pauline (she told me to write this bit!).

Before the surgery I had 'pre-op checks' where a nurse took my temperature, heart rate and went through a set of questions - when did you last eat, drink, etc. Now, I'd put my hearing aids safely away as the hospital won't be held responsible for any loss or damage to your property, so this Q & A procedure was difficult for me, because she was quietly spoken and was looking down at her paperwork. So when she asked me "How's your ejaculation been?" I was a bit taken a-back! This wasn't the usual type of question! I began to wonder if they had the right patient! I didn't answer for a moment, thinking, "cheeky young thing!" She then looked up from her paperwork, and waited for my answer. I could see from her that this question was a typical one, so I must have misheard her. Then it dawned on me what she'd said. She'd said "Hows your CIRculation been?" "Ohhh! Riiight! Fine! Fine!" I said, laughing away to myself.

The nurse then left - a bit perplexed as to why I was laughing - and I began to read a magazine that Pauline had bought from the Hospital shop, (the only thing I hadn't packed away safely- there's a point to telling you this!). I read it until it was time to go to surgery, then put it on a cupboard next to my bed for later.

The surgery went well. And when I came round, I had my hands heavily wrapped in bandages with both my arms elevated in padded slings. This was to decrease the blood flow to my hands, an obvious solution just after surgery. I didn't realise I would be so incapacitated and then suddenly my eyes started to itch! Now, with a feat of contortion that almost wriggled me off the bed, I managed to unhook one of my arms, and rubbed my eyes. It was painful on my hand and I was worried that I was undoing the surgeons work, but it would have been torture not to!

There were three other patients in the ward that for the most part kept themselves to themselves. This suited me because, as you know, I didn't have my hearing aids in, and it would have been a struggle to have a conversation. But the man next to me was reading a book, and the truth is, I was bored of my own company - spending 9 months in a hospital room on your own can do that to you - and now I was back! So I decided to strike up a conversation. I began by asking him what he was reading, he told me, and I could see that at some point in his life he'd had a really bad accident. He was wheelchair bound, his legs had wasted down somewhat and his wrists and fingers were contorted, so much so, that I could see he was having difficulty holding the book he was reading. I'd noticed also, that he had to scoop his legs up with his arms in an effort to move himself into a more comfortable position. When he spoke, his speech was slow and slurred. I must admit, I was curious to know his story and asked him how he'd come to be this way.

He told me when he was on a holiday abroad with his friends, that he'd dived in a pool and broke his neck. He was 21 when it happened - he's now 48. He'd lived with his parents up until 5 years ago, then his dad passed away leaving his mum to look after him. She'd passed away 2 years ago now, leaving him on his own and relying on help from social services. He still lives in the house left to him by his parents, and while he was there in hospital, he had builders sorting out his bedroom and decorating it for his return. He was in hospital on this occasion to have skin grafts on his bed sores - which he'd had for 3 years! I myself am familiar with both skin grafts and bed sores, however my experience of bed sores was nothing in comparison. I felt concerned for him, and still think about him and his situation. I often wonder how he's getting on.

It was a stark reminder to me how fortunate I am to be able to stand up and walk out of that hospital. The life I have and lead, however marred by my accident, is still a life with support from family and friends. I'm sure we all realise how fortunate we are, but when next you're brassed off with life's demands - spare a thought.

Now, remember I said earlier that I'd left my magazine on a cupboard next to my bed. It was expensive, it cost £3.95! Well when I came back from surgery, it was gone! I was a bit naffed off! I asked one of the nurses where it had got to? She didn't know! Now, what kind of person would 'steal' a man's magazine? Especially when he's undergoing a 'life or death' operation! Well, maybe not life or death, but I was still having an operation! Now I use the word 'steal' because we Firefighters like to exaggerate, hence the 'life or death' bit. We have this in-built ability to make a mountain out of a mole hill. In fact I even toyed with the idea of a thief dressed in black pants with a black and white stripped jumper on, sneaking into the ward with a bag tossed over one shoulder with the word SWAG written on it! Oh! And he had a black mask on as well! The cad! The rotter! I asked the nurse if she would find my 'priceless' magazine (another exaggeration) and she went about turning the hospital 'upside down!' I was very surprised! Cos all the patients fell out of their beds!!! Anyway it was well and truly lost! Oh! I mean 'stolen!'. I was soooo mad that someone had stolen my magazine while I was unconscious, that Pauline had to buy me the same magazine again just to shut me up!

Anyway, before I sign off I'd like to wish you all a belated happy and prosperous New Year! And special get well wishes to Steve Fisher, Geoff Hatley and Paul Norris.

And also can I say thanks for the kind thoughts from Gary Stredder & the lads on Blue Watch E36 Bury. You're not wrong Gaz, I 'am' fed up with all the operations!

FF Steve Morris

PS Always make sure you have a working 'Smoke Alarm'.

2010-12-05T22:10:00.000Z

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.

2010-09-21T21:32:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone, Steve here!

On Wednesday 4th August Pauline and I went to the Lake District for a short break, but also to meet up with The Children's Burns Foundation. The Foundation was established to help young people and their families affected by burn injuries. They encourage programmes targeted at improving psychological well-being, social relationships and independence following a burns injury. All these children have been treated under the care of the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

One of the activities the Foundation has funded is the Children's Burns Camp. Pauline and myself were invited to one of these camps held in Windermere. The children had arrived on Sunday for a week's stay and we visited on the Wednesday. The kids were all sorts of ages and came from differing backgrounds, but all had one thing in common, they'd all suffered from burns - whether it was due to a house fire or chip pan fire or being scalded. When the children arrived, they were all sorted into groups by age and each of the groups were given a team name. The names were taken from different Indian tribes and Pauline and myself became honourary Apaches for the day. The children we spent time with were aged between 10 and 15. To encourage them to be sociable and interactive they were required to hand in any mobile phones, ipods and any hand-held game consoles (Nintendo's and the like). Now you'd have thought telling kids to give up their gizmos would have posed a problem! After all this is the 21st century! Surely they would go off on one! Well truth be told, some did have a teensy problem with this rule, but they soon get used to it! In fact, they found they didn't have the time to fool around with their phones because they were too busy enjoying themselves climbing, abseiling, canoeing, trekking and testing themselves on the camp assault course to name a few of the activities!

Aside from giving up their gizmos for the duration of their stay, they were also given general duties to do! Aw! You didn't think it was all fun and games did you? They were given the task of doing all the washing-up after meals (which are made by responsible adults) and to also look after one another! This meant putting double base cream and pressure garments on themselves and each other. The pressure garments were really tight and can take two people to get them on! Oh yes, by the way, there was another rule of ....."NO TV". Oh my god! You might think that this would be a real hardship to the kids, however after getting over the initial surprise, they didn't seem to miss it because they were too knackered!

Dave Lenagan, who works for Greater Manchester Fire Service was also at the camp because he is the Assistant Director of the Children's Burns Foundation. He was explaining everything to me, including the fact that each camp costs around £13,000 for the week! This might initially seem like a lot of money however it builds the kids' confidence, a confidence which they can carry back home and throughout their life - from that point of view, the experience is priceless.

For obvious reasons the Fire Service and the Children's Burns Foundation have become linked. And now the Foundation recruits volunteers from Greater Manchester Fire Service through 'The Big Red', which can be found on the brigades intranet (for Fire Service personnel only). One such person who recently successfully applied was Watch Manager Ian Melville from Wythenshawe. Ian told me that it was an interview process that took several months' wait to hear the decision. This was his first time at the camp and he was loving every minute, he was really impressed with how well the kids were coping with their experiences. I think Ian's going to be a regular at these camps in the future and I wish him well!

Did you know, each year in Greater Manchester around 400 children suffer burns in one way or another! I must admit, I didn't realise the figure was so high!

If you'd like to help or find out more, you can visit their website www.cbf-uk.org/

On the health front, for those of you who are not aware, I was given the option of transplanting the big toe from my left foot onto my left hand to give me a thumb. However I've since decided that this is not right for me. The big toe is essential for balance and I'm wobbly at the best of times! Plus it always was a bit too Frankenstein for me. I'm getting by with what's left of my hands well enough. I used to wonder how people got by with their disabilities, and now I know! It's because they have to!

Thats all for now until next time, take care all!

FF Steve Morris.

PS Always make sure your smoke alarms are working properly!

2010-08-22T20:33:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, Steve here!

This month I must begin with a sincere thank you to all those people who after reading my last blog, were compelled to get in touch some way, some how. Mostly I received text messages of support, but some people sent me emails. One such came from Carole Sicluna from Stats. Thank you Carole, it's much appreciated!

I was intrigued with the similes people brought between my situation and theirs, especially where dreams were mentioned. It never dawned on me for a moment that people would relate in such a way! Then again, why not? After all everyone dreams! I sometimes wonder what Freud would make of mine! In fact, it's as well he's gone cos trying to figure them out might have killed him off in any case!!!

Anyway, some of you will already know that Pauline and myself were invited to attend the Queen's garden party this year, courtesy of Greater Manchester Fire Service. The hotel we stayed in was really good, nothing was too much trouble for the staff and they even (on request) took us through the fire drill! Always check where your exits are especially if you can't move quickly! I thought the manager did a thorough job! Even going as far as to mention the intumescent strips in the doors (these live in the edge of fire doors to create a smoke seal in the event of a fire), Fire Service attendance time and how long you should have to wait in the stairwell before being rescued! The hotel that we stayed at was called The City Inn Westminster. We heartily recommend it and the food also!

On the day, the event was to begin at 1500 hrs with Queenie* making her appearance at 1600 hrs. (*Spot the Blackadder fan!). We thought we'd miss the big crush by turning up half an hour late, we were mistaken! There were 3 queues with 4 ranks in, making collectively between 7-8000 people which must have stretched about 1000 metres! Luckily the queues were moving fast! We went into and through Buckingham Palace and came out onto some wide stone steps. I then looked up to see hundreds of people staring, seemingly in my direction! It was quite daunting to walk down a flight of steps that everyone is staring up at and knowing that Queenie will be descending the same steps shortly. The people in the roped off area looked for all intents and purposes like cattle (which wasn't their fault of course) with everyone jostling to get a glimpse of Queenie! Now all that was left for me to do was to fall and make the biggest pillock of myself ever, ever! "Oh no you don't!" I said to myself, and got a tight grip on Pauline (lucky devil aren't I !) Then most carefully, descended the long flight of steps that led to the grassed area. I managed it! And so I saved the occasion to look a complete pillock for another time!

We then walked to the tents where they were serving food and drinks, and joined another orderly queue that had formed. Suddenly there was some commotion, and it became clear that Queenie was making her appearance! Everyone abandoned their place in the queue to go and see! Everyone but Pauline and myself that is! We just turned round and tried to catch a glimpse from where we stood, which was firmly at the back of the queue we'd just joined! I looked across to see a blue hat, I guess it was Queenie underneath it! But that was all there was to see of the Queen for the time we were there! They played the national anthem, and all stood silent to listen, then we turned back to find there was nobody in front of us in the queue anymore........ Great! Cheers Queenie!

When we approached the long tables that all the food was on, it was all canapes and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off! It was all a bit too twee for the likes of me! But Pauline kinda liked it! And the drinks were the most watered down orange cordial in the smallest plastic cups I've ever seen! To add insult to injury, it was a really hot day and I'd not drank much, so I was really thirsty! I think I drank four or five cups before I felt ok. We then walked through the crowds of people to find ourselves stood near one of the two brass bands tents that were playing. They were playing all different types music and styles, ranging from the theme tune from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" to "Against all Odds" by Phil Collins! It was really impressive stuff!

It was an A-1 place for people watching!!! Pauline was eyeing up all the ladies in their fine regalia and comparing it to hers - she spotted 3 other ladies with the same hat on - so she's not wearing that one again! There were a number of uniformed attendees (army, navy) etc and they did well to withstand the heat. There were also a number of guys wearing morning suits with top hats and cravats - they must have been wilting it was that hot!!!

We walked somewhat round the gardens for a short while but then I began to get tired. There was not a seat to be had, so we made our way back to the hotel. The gardens were ok, but nothing really to write about. Queenie's grass has suffered as a result of the hose pipe ban and it would appear that the recession has even resulted in her "reigning in"! Oh dear Steve, that was an uncalled for pun! But puns aside, I'm sure she'll manage!

As we left Buck House, we were accosted by their 'official photographers'! We were bundled into a corner to stand below the crest on Queenie's gates and without getting any chance to adjust our then dishevelled dress, 2 photos were quickly taken and we were robbed off, errrh charged £20. We got the photos sent to our house a couple of days later. Apparently there's a ladies thing that ladies do when they get their photos taken (ie stand with one shoulder twisted to the camera and one foot in front of the other, it gives you a slimmer silhouette, so I'm told). Pauline did not get the chance to do this - she was not happy!!! And I looked like I'd been in every pub in London and thrown out by every doorman because I was leaning to one side with my cap was cocked just like John Wayne!!! So if anyone wants to see these photos, forget it !!!!

All in all it was surreal and pleasant experience! To think, a grunt like me in Buckingham Palace! Mind you they'll invite anybody these days, even that buffoon Nick Griffin got an invite! I know he couldn't use it in the end, but still! Anyway, let's not go there! Before I sign off I'd like to say a grateful thanks to Sue Ashton who very kindly arranged this trip for us. Sue, we had a fantastic time, thanks very much!

That's all for this time, take care all!

FF Steve Morris.

The fire safety tip is within this blog! See if you can spot it!!!

2010-07-12T10:13:00.000+01:00

Hi all! Steve here,

Well what can I say about the football match we recently played against the stars? Well, it went something like this ............we lost! I'm suitably gutted! My memory of the game is however completely fuddled, especially since our recent World cup disaster as well! Too many bad results! Too much pain! I think the Fire Service score ended up 3 - 1, but at least we can hold our heads high in the knowledge that our Fire Service team IS as good as the England World cup squad! But wait! Maybe I shouldn't say that! As I COULD be accused of holding the Fire Service in disrepute!!! You have to admit, the sun was shining in South Africa but England's performance was very, very dull indeed!

Strange isn't it, how football has such a direct influence on our national spirit. When our team's winning, the feel good factor is AWESOME! Then again, if our team's losing, we're looking around for a CAT TO KICK! Sorry cat lovers! Well, the mood I'm in, I think you'll all see through my attempt to be cheerful, so I'm not even going to try.

Those of you who've been reading my blog would have noticed I try to keep it as light and cheerful as possible. This is, and has been a real task, especially since the football! It's been over two years now since the incident and I've realised in that time that being off work 'on the sick' is, paradoxically a full time job! The only respite from myself is when I sleep. I can walk normally in my dreams. I don't have a contorted right foot and my balance is as it was before the incident. Also my left arm bends and straightens fully and I have all my fingers and what's more, my hearing is perfect!. The reality of my situation arises as I do, there are no holidays from my body, no time off for good behavior and I can rarely spend time on my own because when I fall over, I can't get up without help! Just once in a while I feel and see a flicker of difference in my arm, my foot or my balance. These incremental changes are keeping me sane and sure of some kind of recovery, although I know it's going to be years rather than months until I've recovered as much of my old self as possible.

Thankfully the Fire Service are supporting me as if I'm still a front line firefighter. The way I see it, I'm being paid to get myself fit again, and as I described earlier, it's more than a full time job, it's become my life! I used to be quite an active man, running, cycling and going to the gym and so on, so I've no regrets where that's concerned. I still have fond memories of the 2 marathons I ran and all the training I was able to do for them. And a cycling trip to France with my friends where we cycled all round the mountainous area of Les Gets. We got back to the hotel after being out from around 10am till around 5.30pm - I reckon we clocked up about 30 miles a day for 6 days on average. It was great fun!

I miss my old self so much and what I was able to do. I've even begun to notice people more than I used to and wonder why they don't use their bodies while they can? It doesn't matter what shape they're in, as long as they can use everything they've got! What's the problem? They'll miss it when it's gone! Maybe they won't be involved in an accident like I was - or maybe they will! We can never be certain what life has in store for us, but one thing is certain, we'll all become older and less capable.

So here's my message to you all. Don't sit watching football, go outside and play it! And if you don't enjoy that, find something else! Go jogging or cycling or even just plain old walking. Did you know if you walk 2 miles, or ran the same 2 miles, you would have burned exactly the same amount of calories! Anything to keep your body busy! You'll not regret it!!!

That's all for this time! So keep your bodies busy and look after yourselves!

FF Steve Morris.

PS I've just thought of a very very mild exercise to get us all started! It involves stretching up and pointing your finger then pushing a button. Some of you may even have go on to your tippy toes to achieve this! 'Do I need any equipment' I hear you ask? Well yes, but it's not expensive! 'Will it take long' I hear you say? Well about 5 to 10 seconds should be enough time depending on how many SMOKE ALARMS you have around your house.......Oop's did I say SMOKE ALARMS.........Ooh who am I trying to kid! You all guessed straight away didn't you! I hope!!!

2010-05-30T15:37:00.001+01:00

Hi all, Steve here!

The painful process of straightening my arm is unfortunately still 'one' of my many challenges, but I'm beginning to see a difference in the movement of my elbow joint in that I used to grit my teeth just to reach for and lift a 'tissue'! But now with Pauline's help in the gym we've cobbled together a routine. We do several exercises on my arm using various machines and equipment and on the final exercise I sit on a padded bicep bench while she forces my arm straight! Sound's very painful doesn't it....... it is! Now I have less pain when I move my arm and reaching for something isn't such a task, however bending it is! I can't bend it more than 90 degrees, which makes using my left hand to eat with impossible! Lucky for me I can use a fork and just about reach my mouth, so don't worry, I'm not going to starve just yet!

Speaking of eating, whilst we were in our garden on a hot Sunday morning, two of my friends John Cross and Simon Gore dropped by to see how I was getting on. They were surprised to see I was looking so well, (I've lost some weight now that I've started going to the gym properly). Anyhow, I saw my chance to eat some real food! We all had a bacon butty each, yes you heard it! My very own bacon butty! We sat round the table munching down the bacon delight! It brought new meaning to the phrase 'piggin out!' We had a good old chat! It's been some months since they saw me last, it was at Simon's 40th birthday bash - yes Simon, YOU'RE 40!). Ooh alright, alright! we're all getting on aren't we? Well everyone but me that is! I'm only 25!!! Ok! Ok! I'm 40 as well. Anyhow, enough of that! Soon after, Simon and John had to leave because John who lives in Ireland now, had to catch his ferry! So it's back on the sawdust diet for me - no wonder Pinnochio was little! And so they said their goodbyes and left us to the rest of our day.

And for the rest of the day, as It was really hot and sunny Pauline and I spent much of it out and about going to local garden centres. It looks like we've finally shook off the spectre of winter! That's quite a statement considering it's almost June!!!

Incidentally, talking of June, put the 6th of June in your diaries, you won't regret it! Because on Sunday 6th of June you'll have made yourself available to witness a football match between our very own Salford Firefighter's verses.....wait for it! A team of Television Stars! Yes, various soap stars will be donning their football kits in aid of the Key Radio 103 Cash for Kids charity and the Firefighters Charity. The event is being held at The Willows in Salford. Tickets are on sale from any Fire station in the borough of Salford, and if you prefer you can log on the Fire service website www.manchesterfire.gov.uk. So with only a week to go you better be quick! Because this time we're not going to let those luvvies win! Because last time!........ well....eerr...they did! I suppose you could say they brought 'too many shooting stars!' with them and my lot weren't exactly 'on fire!' during the game! Oh dear, oh dear! Stevie, Stevie could you possibly fit in anymore pun's.......... Well yes! we're all 'fired up!' for the re-match and they're not going to 'tap dance' their way round us this time! There! I'm all punned out!

Well on that note, until next time! See you all at the match!

FF Steve Morris.

PS Before you go to the match test your Smoke Alarm!

2010-05-12T17:32:00.001+01:00

Hi all, Steve here!

Well what can I say about the boxing! Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! For pummeling the Police. I now have no need to dig out my boxing gloves.... phew! I must say that's a relief. I mean, what would happen to me if I were to do some real damage to one of our coppers. I could get locked up! Or worse, the 'brigade' could put me on a fizzer!!! (For non-service personnel, that means being put on a charge!).

Seriously though, well done Team Fire! You all did very well. I was particularly impressed by Andy Kopicki! It wasn't so much "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!" as, "Right! I'm going to knock your &£@£$%@ block off!!". I must say it was an admirable performance, marred only by the referee interrupting to prise Andy's glove out of that copper's eye socket!!!
That said, not only did my Bolton Borough buddy do well with his (very own) style of mauling, but the rest of our team won enough of the bouts to claim this year's now coveted trophy. So, well done to all!

I saw many faces I knew at the boxing. It was good to see Nige Travis in our corner and Muz Choudery, who was a probationary Firefighter at Stretford's White watch while I was there. Nige invited me to go to the boxing gym they've set up at Moss side Fire station and he also gave me a couple of T-shirts, which was kind of him. Thanks Nige, I'll see you soon bud!

Now I've got a very special thankyou to say to a lovely lady called Jo Manning who is a nurse and was instrumental in the care I received at Bolton Royal Hospital immediately after I was injured. She wasn't at the boxing as planned because she had taken ill before the event. And so instead I had the pleasure of meeting her colleagues who dealt with the rest of the casualties that night. I found out that she had a liking for white wine and so I bought for her the finest plonk a boxing venue could offer! And sent it over with a personal note. Thanks again Jo! You're a star! Oh by the way, I hope your mates didn't drink your wine! They were certainly enjoying themselves! A bit too much if you ask me. Rowdy lot!!!

I also had the pleasure to meet two colleagues of mine who work at Eccles fire station. Andy Lawman and Ian 'Bob' Robertson came over to ask me how things were and to wish me well, only I could barely hear what they were saying as the noise combined with my hearing impairment weren't well suited. I tried to catch everything they said, but only caught snippet's of their conversation and I felt embarrassed and rude to keep asking them to repeat themselves. I do however remember Ian saying he had 29 years service in, but I can't remember whether he was going to take retirement or not - as Firefighters can retire after they complete 30 years service.

It's a real problem for me now having partial hearing as a result of the accident. You feel excluded from conversations and so find yourself seeking a quiet and peaceful environment, no loud music, only a few people to chat to and strictly NO background chatter! Doesn't leave me very much does it! But that's life now.

I was also pleased to see Carl Stott, he had a chat with me as I was leaving. We spoke of the past mostly when he was stationed at Salford and I was at Stretford, both on white watch. We would often see each other on the same jobs as we were at neighbouring stations and we had both worked in our respective areas for some years. Carl was glad to see I was doing well and wished me all the best. Cheers Stotty!

Speaking of Salford and Stretford, I'd like to thank Amber watch and Blue watch for asking about me. Gaz Dewar let me know that he'd given you all the latest. Thanks lads!

And the latest is! I remain determined to get my arm back to normal, stretching and bending it as much as humanly possible. So much so, that I go to the gym whenever I can and do pretty much anything that involves using my arm. Pushing and pulling weights together with an almighty passive stretch at the end of a session leaves me exhausted and a bit dizzy! Pauline sometimes gets a bit concerned because she tells me that I go grey with the effort. But it has to be done!

I have to return to Wythenshawe Hospital next month for an x-ray and to see Mr Phillips the Surgeon, for an up date.

Incidentally, Pauline's now stopped working to become my full time carer. This you would think is great news, think again! She's got me on a diet that consists of little more than saw dust! It would suit Pinnochio down to the ground. To think, all this gym work, and I won't end up with bigger muscles! I'll end up with a bigger nose!!!

Now, Carl Haslam has told me that many people may not be aware that they can access this blog by keying in 'www.stevesrecovery.co.uk'. I hope this is of use to you all.

Subtitle slipups for this month.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup. The commentator said that a winning horse would give the stable boy a bonus of £100,000. The subtitle read that the stable boy's bonus would be one thousand cows and pounds !!!! Maybe the stable boy can double up as a butcher!

The Election. The commentator said that the Lib-Dems were away with the fairies. The subtitle read that they were away with the ferries! Probably better than flying with all this volcanic ash!!!

So once again, that's all for now until the next time!

FF Steve Morris
PS Always ensure you ha a working SMOKE ALARM!

2010-04-17T17:25:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone, Steve here!

Since my last blog, I've had an operation on my elbow. If you remember, I had a CT scan done in December. I now realise that this didn't get a good picture of my elbow - well I never did photograph well - because the subsequent operation was more complex and took MUCH MUCH longer than planned.

You see I was booked into Wythenshawe Hospital Friday morning at 07:30 to go under the knife sometime before lunch, to then stay overnight and go home before Saturday lunch (hurray!). But "Ooh no no no no no!" as the dog from the Churchill advert would say! Not for you Stevie boy! You've got to stay in till MONDAY! - I was gutted!

Before the operation, Mr Phillips - that's my surgeon - advised me that one slip on the operating table could mean I may lose the nerve in my arm and the use of my hand. When he explained this particular caveat to me, I said "Don't worry Doc, I've never lost my nerve in my life! I'm not going to start now!" We laughed, but deep down this was serious stuff. But he's a good man and I've grown to trust him.

The operation took 4 HOURS! The reason for this was when Mr Phillips opened up my elbow, he found that the calcified bone had grown SO MUCH that he had to work ALL the way round my elbow joint to clear out the excess. He also found that the bone had pushed my nerve up and then had grew around it, so it appeared as if my nerve had grown through the bone! Mr Phillips told me he'd never seen this before! However there's no surprise that something strange should happen to me!

When I came round after the operation, I was asked by Pauline if I was hungry. And as always, I said yes! I asked for a sausage butty. I then looked about me, saw a bottle full of blood which was draining my arm and asked for red sauce!!! I usually have brown!

Then I realised I was pinned to a bed (again) and on discovering I was going to be there for 4 days, my mind cast back to the time I was in hospital for 9 months - and I immediately started to plan my escape! I didn't expect to be in for 4 days - the most I'm prepared to do now in hospital is 1 day (all hospital administrators please note) - so I hope I never have to have brain surgery - they'll have to operate quick because I'll be out of there as soon as I open my eyes!

The good news is that my arm has opened up more. It's not straight but I'm told that I should work on trying to straighten it as much as possible. I cant bend it more than 90 degrees at the moment because it may undo the good work that Mr Phillips has done. So I'm making frequent trips to the gym to work on my arm in the hope that I get further use from it, but I'm not out of the woods yet.

If I do get the full use of my arm back, I may be able to do some sparring. I've bought myself a very light and inflatable (wait for it ...) punch bag and when I have the strength to blow it up next year, I may get some practice in for the Battle of the Badges. This is a yearly charitable boxing match that pits the Fire Service against the Police. The Police robbed us last April (excuse the pun!) and won the first Battle of the Badges. So if the Fire Service don't square the score up this time, I may have to step in and show the wimps how it's done!!!

That's all for this month, so until next time, take care all.

FF Steve Morris

PS If anyone happens to see smokin Joe Frazier at this event, advise him to get a smoke alarm !

2010-03-09T13:14:00.002Z

Hi everyone! Steve here.

Well here we go again with what I'm reliably told is well a followed blog! Many thanks to you all for taking such an interest in me and my going's on! Stroll on, I never thought it possible that I would write a blog, let alone people wanting to read it! I didn't know what a blog was before my accident!

This last month has seen what is fast becoming an annual event - the Valentine's Ball. It was held at the 'Last Drop Village Hotel' in Bromley Cross Bolton and was the 2nd outing for this now popular event. It was a good excuse for Pauline and I to get all togged up! And I know this may seem hard to believe but it's the first time I've worn a DJ! "WHAT! You mean you were dressed like Michael Foot!" I hear you all say! NO! You silly lot! I wore a Dinner Jacket! Not a Donkey Jacket! I must admit I felt as smart as a guardsman!

And speaking of soldiers, I had the priviledge of meeting a very brave Royal Marine Commando named Aaron Moon. He had been injured by an Improvised Explosive Device while on patrol in Afghanistan, and we shared our stories like a couple of old dear's in the street! The man suffered tremendous injuries, but spoke of going back over next January!
What an incredibly brave man he is.

Aaron if you're reading this, good luck and god bless. You're a star and we are all very proud of you.

The Ball was attended by all sorts of people who were only too happy to part with their money for the sake of a good and noble cause. The monies raised through bidding for the various Auction items were divided between 'Help for Heroes' Charity and the Fireservice.

After the auction we danced to music provided by a 5-piece band named 'Athena', and I even managed to do some dancing myself. I know what you're thinking! I could have fallen and hurt myself! But you can rest assured that my feet stayed perfectly still while my body moved only slightly to the music! What do mean "SO WHATS NEW!"

All that's left to say on this blog is a big thank you to my table guests, my sister Sharon and her husband Gary, my cousin Gary and his wife Samantha, my good friend Gary T and his wife Diane, and last but certainly not least my mate Lee and his Wife Debbie. Did I mention Gary?

Like you, I'm glad we're beginning to see a glimpse of summer. It means I can get out a bit more and it also lifts your spirits.

On the health front, I'm due to have an operation soon on my elbow to remove a piece of bone which currently restricts my arm from opening. So all being well, when the range of movement increases, I'll be able to stretch my arm out fully, lift up a pint of Guinness from the bar, drink it and put it back on the bar again! In the meantime, I'll carry on practicing!

Unfortunately there is no Teletext Tickler this month, they must be improving. Oh I know! I know! It's NOT Teletext. IT'S Subtitles but if you can come up with a funny that's appropriate against the word SUBTITLES then you're a better person than I am!

Well that's all from me for this month, so until next time, take care!

FF Steve Morris

PS Always make sure you have a working SMOKE ALARM

2010-02-07T15:15:00.000Z

Hi all, Steve here again.

In this last month I've been huffin 'n' puffin at Jubilee House in the Lake District. Jubilee House is situated in a beautiful setting in Penrith where Fire Service personnel and their dependents can go to get fit and well again. It's a fantastic place where people with mobility issues can receive treatment for whatever ails them.

The Fireservice Charity is responsible for setting up this facility and is to be commended for it's efforts. It's provided us with in-house care and rehabilitation beyond what the NHS can cope with. They have at Jubilee Physiotherapists, Nurses, Psychologists and Training Instructors and all under one roof. I think all this and bags of fresh air puts everyone well on the road to recovery.

During our 2 week stay Pauline and myself worked out hard. Well, I did anyway, Pauline just stood and watched! In fact, the heaviest thing Pauline lifted was the pin that separated the weight stack for me! But she did help me get changed for each of my programmed events, which was nice! And she did go on the walks with me which are part of everyone's programme. Walking properly is a real challenge for me now and one that I need to master.

Different people use Jubilee for different reasons, but one thing's for sure they all don the same obligatory uniform, which consists of trainers, tracksuit and water bottle. You can see people hobbling round the centre with programmes clutched in hand and a brave smile on their face, or could that have been a grimace! I'm unsure now! Anyhow it's not long before everyone gets to know one another, and for me it's like being back in the fold, amongst like minded people who just want to get fit for work again. I'm looking forward to my next visit already!

On Wednesday 27th January, Crimewatch reconstructed the fire at Little Holme Walk - and all being well, they might get a result. They got a 'double' to play my part. They couldn't get Brad Pitt, he must have been busy trying to save his relationship with Angelina! I think after Pauline reads this blog, I'll probably be doing the same!

And now for the Teletex Tickler!

This was said by a Newsreader on the BBC.
Newsreader: " Davina McCall is to host a new dance show!"
Teletex says: "Davina McCall is to host a nude dance show!"

Oh I can't wait! I hope they're all WOMEN!

And this was said by the MP George Gallow of Lord Falconer on Question Time, which, incidentally was questioning the legality of Britian going to war with Iraq. What came of the debate was that Tony Blair was very good friends with the then Chief Justice Secretary Lord Falconer, so much so that at one time they had shared accommodation.

George Gallow: "It's no surprise to us that Tony Blair's flat mate supports him!".
Teletex says: "It's no surprise to us that Tony Blair's fat mate supports him!"

Well, Lord Falconer IS a little on the portly side, but there's no need for that George!

Well that's all from me for this Month, so until next time. Take care all!

FF. Steve Morris.

PS. Always make sure you have a working smoke alarm!

2010-01-11T21:44:00.001Z

Hi everyone, Steve here!

Well here we all are, still snowed in from Christmas with only the obligatory turkey butties to survive on, or in our case chicken. Pauline finds it too difficult to keep the moisture in turkey, but that's another story (ie she can't cook!).

We were going to go to a lovely castle in North Yorkshire over the Christmas break, but alas it wasn't to be, we were well and truly house bound. Our road could've been a choice venue for a Winter Olympic Ski-jump. Cars have taken to parking at the top of the road for fear of not being able to get back up again, it's been hideous. I'm contemplating canceling my direct-debit to the council for not salting our road! Oh my god, did I actually say that! I'm turning into my uncle B!, god rest him. But it's true that the slightest glimpse of Jack Frost and the country comes to a stand-still!

But you'll be glad to hear it's not got the better of me, nothing much does! I put my trust in my socks. " Funny place to put your trust Steve!" I hear you say! No you misunderstand. I put my socks over my walking boots to gain some extra grip and made my way to the local gym!

Along the way I saw an elderly lady struggling through the snow, which reminded me the time my Grandma slipped on the way back from the pie shop.. My Granddad was house bound with an illness he contracted while working down the pit for the coal board, and as a result, could only walk as far as the back garden all the year round. Every dinner time my Gran would go to pie shop in Farnworth. On this occasion, she set off, in much the same weather as we've been getting lately and managed to get to their favourite pie shop. On the way back she slipped and sprained her wrist badly. Fortunately a man wasn't far away who saw her fall and came to her aid. He helped her up and took her all the way back to her house where Granddad was waiting. She shouted to Granddad "BILL! BILL!-- I'VE FALLEN!"! My Granddad shouted back "LILY!---DID YOU GET THE PIES?". The colourful language my Gran said back cannot be published, but I don't remember my Granddad having his pies. Oh! and my Gran's sprained wrist turned out to be a broken arm, bless her.

Speaking of broken arms, I went for a C-T Scan just before Christmas at Wythenshawe Hospital to see if there's something stopping my arm from straightening. They couldn't get me in the blessed thing yet again because with a permanently bent arm and broad shoulders, I'm too wide! It's becoming a regular occurrence this! I'm beginning to get fed up with all this now. "Getting fed up, after just 19 months, what you made of, marshmallows or summat?" I hear you all say. Oh well ok, one last push to see me into 2011 and hopefully this time next year you'll all be reading about the new improved Steve Morris. Yes they can rebuild me, they do have the technology and -- is anyone else hearing the theme tune to the Bionic man -- no? Oh, just me then.

One last thing about snow. Because of my hearing problem, I've got subtitles turned on my TV. Some of the text is hilarious in that its wrong! The other day, the TV presenter said that 'roads are snowy' - the subtitles read that 'roads are smelly!' No wonder I'm confused!!! There's a script here waiting to be written by the Two Ronnies!

Well that's all for now. I'll be writing this blog every 4 weeks, so as they say on TV, stay tuned till next time!

And be careful out there.

FF Steve Morris

PS. Chip the ice off your smoke alarms and make sure they are working properl

2009-12-15T10:12:00.001Z

Hi all, Steve here.

What a month I've had, it's been really busy! A trip to Wythenshawe Hospital to have a general check up brought me good news. I'm pleased to say I'm doing really well, although my left arm is still bent and has remained so since the incident last year, but its certainly not for want of trying! I've been given an appointment for a C-T scan just before Christmas to find out what on earths going on in there. In the meantime all I can do is keep on trying to straighten it. Recently I joined my local gym to help me get the blessed thing straight. Pauline reckons I look like Clyde from the film 'Any Which Way But Loose' swinging from the pull-up bars!

At this point I need to thank all the people who work at Farnworth Firestation for their efforts in raising monies for me - as you can see the money has paid for my gym membership. You can now hold your heads high in the knowledge you finally made a monkey out of Steve Morris! What do you mean "that was easy"!

Thanks fellas.

In the past two weeks I've had two more events that also ended in good news. The first was an appointment at a local Hospital to let me know whether I have to have my tonsils out. "Have your tonsils out!" I here you cry. Well yes, apparently it's quite common in, erm older people. It's not tonsillitis you understand which kids get. It's an infection which I've tried to treat in other way's but alas failed, leaving me to seek a more professional opinion. All's well that ends well, I don't have to have my tonsils out after all, mere relief would not describe how I felt, absolutely elated would more like it!

The other good news is that the BBC have visited my address and did some filming for Crimewatch, which is due to be shown either on the 21st December or the 18th January. They did a reconstruction of the incident at Littleholme Walk itself. Some of the firefighters that took part in the reconstruction were actually at the original incident so you're guaranteed to see what really happened. Obviously I won't be playing my part, but it didn't stop them from asking. Regretfully I had to decline, but suggested they get an actor to play me. I thought perhaps Brad Pitt but I don't think he's young enough for the part because they just shook their heads and laughed! Anyway I'm sure they'll get some handsome devil from somewhere.

The scene where I come bursting through the front door is, I am told, very dramatic. They used a stunt man for this as I had, if you remember, declined for some strange reason! These scenes were filmed at our training centre.

That's all for now until the next time.

PS Remember to check your smoke alarm is still working

Steve Takes Over

2009-11-17T23:46:00.000Z

Hi everyone its Steve Morris here, I'm finally able to take over my blog .

First of all I must say a big thank you to my brother-in-law Gaz Dewar, without whom this blog would not have got off the ground. And also equally to my friend Carl Haslam who very kindly is willing to place this on the internet for everyone whose interested.

Cheers fellas, you've both done me proud.

This past week has seen a very moving and solemn event which I was very pleased to be able to attend. I was given the greatest honour of laying the wreath on behalf of the Fireservice at this year's Rememberance Sunday parade.

At this point I must also thank Brian Wiggins. He very kindly asked me in the first place if I'd like to represent the Fireservice on Rememberance Sunday, an honour that he himself has had the privilege to undertake for many years.

The day began with Pauline "my wife to be" and myself arriving at Bolton Central Firestation early Sunday morning. And together, with Pauline's parents Breda and Barry and her sister Helen, we entered the station I had turned out from all those months ago, on 25th June 2008.

I must say, it was quite eerie returning over a year later. But made much easier when I saw Carl approaching me with his trusty camara round his neck, and a welcoming smile on his face. And it wasn't long before I was met by the lads of Blue Watch, of which I was a member before I transferred onto Green's many years ago. But still, I recognised a few faces, Tim Bolton, Jan Chadwick and Andy Stevenson to name but a few. It was good to see also Mick Dargan who is a member of my watch. He walked across to greet me, which was nice of him. He must have been rostered-in on that day to work with Blue Watch, a part of our shift system that frankly I for one am NOT going to miss.

The Station was all hustle and bustle. Some firefighters had come in to specifically march in the parade which they do every year. Alongside them were other public services such as the police. And amongst others, of course our armed forces, of which we are always grateful and proud of in times of war, or peace.

When the time came we all walked across to Bolton Town Hall Square where the Cenotaph is situated, to take up our places alongside the others. Lots of people had come to lay their wreathes and pay their respects, which was nice to see. I walked across with Brian Wiggins and Dave Kirkham, who incidentally is my Borough Commander although you wouldn't know it to talk to him, he's a pretty down to earth guy.

When we arrived I saw my sister Sharon. She had come along to pay her respects, and support me. She stood alongside Gary her husband and Hayley their daughter.

The weather that morning could have been kinder, but the rain wouldn't and didn't stop play. Every man, woman and child stood silent and proud and the many wreath layers undertook their respective duties with great dignity.

Then came my turn to lay our wreath. I was flanked by Brian, who was there to ensure everything was done most properly, and that I didn't fall or trip, a most embarrassing occurrence if ever there was one. In fact, I had to recite a mantra to myself as I wobbled towards the cenotaph, that went something like ,"don't fall, don't fall, don't fall there's hundred's of people watching, so don't fall". Anyway, I made it!

After the ceremony we were invited into the Town Hall to meet the Mayor along with other guests who attended the ceremony.... Which was nice.

This is the end of my first blog. I would like to thank everyone who has written to me and expressed their well wishes. I have truly been overwhelmed with your support, and it means so very much to me.

Once again, thank you all.

Until the next time.

FF Steve Morris

PS Don't forget to test your smoke alarm every week.

2009-10-25T22:37:00.001Z

On the evening of the 24th October Steve Pauline Sharon and I attended the Farnworth Fire Station 30th anniversary function. Steve had been invited and he really wanted to attend. This was another important step for Steve in his journey. The last time he was on a fire station was his last night on full operational duty on the night of the 23rd June 2008. We all quickly realised that my concern for Steve going back to a fire station was not needed. He was surrounded by friends from all sections of the job and was back laughing and talking as if he had never been away. We all had a great time and as usual the Fire fighters at Farnworth Fire Station put on a fantastic night. Steve listened to Kylie Minogue who sang live on stage and afterwards had a chat with her in the bar. Lucky bloke. Kylie's real name is Clare but when Clare is on stage she has a fantastic Kylie sound.

Steve looked great and felt comfortable being back amongst the Fire Service Family. Many people stood with him and said some really good words of support. He was on his usual Guinness and he was able to stand at the bar and mix in with everyone. We just stood back and let him get on with it.

When Steve was ready to leave we made our way out of the back door while we were there the on duty watch of fire fighters wished him well and I introduced him to a probationer Fire fighter from Salford Borough. Steve shook the probationers hand and told her that she was in a great job, wished her well with her career and told her with a smile on his face not to be put off doing the job when she looked at him (typical Steve humour). When we passed the fire appliances Steve shouted to Pauline as he opened a fire appliance door that he was getting on the big red.

A great night and another step forward for our Steve.

The next part of this blog I write with a great sense of pride and admiration for Steve. Last night we had a chat about this blog and Steve has asked if he can start writing the it himself. He has his computer set up now and his ready to go.

I hope I have done justice in my writing to Steve's recovery and I hope that somewhere along the way I have given people inspiration in writing about how committed Steve has been to his recovery and to Pauline and his wider family and friends. To each and everyone one of you I say thank you for reading and sincere thanks for all the kind words of encouragement about my blog entries. Without all of you we would have found the last 16 months much harder to deal with. Steve has amazing family and friends and he can go forward knowing how much support he has. I am privileged to be part of all that.

So now I hand over the reins to the big fella fondly known as Biff.

Gaz Dewar has left the blog.

2009-10-25T22:36:00.002Z

A couple of weeks has gone by from my last blog update and Steve has been involved in some very positive activities both with his own personal recovery and being part of a fantastic evening at the Tower FM Radio Awards held at the Pennine suit, Last drop village.

Steve's left arm is extending more now which is a good sign. The arm has extended to a point where now the skin around this area may have to be cut and re sown to allow the arm to move more. Steve sees this as a necessary part of this area getting better and the more the arm extends the nearer the operations on his left hand will come. He will soon visit the podiatrist again to have a re-assessment of his walking with the opportunity to have his right ankle foot and leg properly assessed via a computer programme. This hopefully will allow more development in these parts of his body. Both his surgical team and his own GP has recommended this type of investigation and assessment to take Steve forward with his recovery.

On the 16th October Steve was invited by the local Bolton Radio Station Tower FM to attend their awards ceremony at the Last Drop Village in Bolton. The awards are to celebrate local peoples achievements and work in their communities. Steve was asked to present the Hero's Hero award on the night and it was this award along with the local Hero award which Steve won last year but was in Hospital so could not collect these awards himself. Instead his Watch ( Green Watch Bolton Central) went on the night and accepted these awards for him. According to good information they all had a great time.

The awards are a very posh affair with ladies in gowns and Gents in DJ's. Pauline Sharon and I were very pleased to be asked to accompany Steve and be part of this special evening. The Tower FM people were very nice and we sat at the table with a number of Tower radio presenters and production managers. During the course of the evening people came and spoke to Steve and said some very nice things to him. It was great for the 3 of us who was with him to see that level of concern and how nice and thoughtful people can be. Special Thanks must go to Sophie and Emma from Tower FM. They were brilliant with us on the night and looked after Steve both before and when he went onto the stage to present the award.

Steve was really pleased to able to present the award and saw it has a great honour. When it came the time to present the Hero's Hero award at the end of the awards night Steve was introduced before he stood up to get on Stage by Emma Wasden a presenter at Tower FM. Emma spoke about Steve and they played the intro from last years award which introduced Steve as the winner of the Hero's Hero award for 2008. When this finished Steve stood up to go on stage. The room exploded into raptures of applause for him and then everyone in the room stood applauding Steve while he made his way onto the Stage. This once again was a fantastic sight to see and brought tears to the eyes of Pauline and Sharon. We know as a family where Steve had come from and the dark days which he had been through and to see him looking smart in his Fire Service Uniform making his way onto the stage was emotional. Once on stage Emma was great with Steve. Emma spoke to him and mentioned how modest he was about everything. Steve told Emma how honoured he was to present the award to whoever was going to be awarded with it. Emma went on then to announce the winner who was Marjorie Simms. A very deserving winner. Marjorie came up onto the stage and Steve presented her with the glass ware which this very heroic lady kindly accepted. Lots of pictures were taken and Steve spoke to Marjorie about how deserving she was to win the award. Following the awards we all said our thank you's and good byes.

Steve still gets tired and being involved in such an exciting and dynamic evening wore him out. He also knows I dance like a Dad and didn't want me to cause any injuries on the dance floor. On the way out of the venue Steve was again spoken to by many people who offered words of support. He was interviewed on the night by Sophie from Tower and we listened to it afterwards on the Tower FM Radio show. It was a fantastic night and once again thank you to all at Tower FM for the invite.

Gary

2009-10-09T17:06:00.001+01:00

The visits to Wythenshawe Hospital continue for Steve. He has recently been to see the Hand Specialist and discussed what the future holds for further surgeries to both his hands. The skin grafts continue to heal and Steve continues to work on maintaining some mobility of what remains of his fingers and thumbs. The longer term future will see Steve undergoing surgery to his thumbs to have extensions put on them to allow him to grip better between his thumbs and first fingers. This surgery will be some time off yet as Steve still has to gain more mobility in his left arm. This is to do with straightening the arm rather than bending it towards his body. The arm has straightened more but he still needs to do more on this area to allow for the surgery on his left hand to take place.

Steve’s mobility on his legs is still improving he his steadier now on his feet despite difficulty with his right ankle and foot he can walk around without to much support. Although he still finds it painful and difficult to walk even short distances when he is wearing no shoes.

He continues with the physio which involves a lot of intense stretching of his left arm and manipulation of the left wrist and he is still using his step machine and other mobility equipment he has in the house for work on his lower body, and as I always say he his still pushing on with his recovery.

Gary.

2009-09-25T22:48:00.001+01:00

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.

2009-09-21T22:33:00.000+01:00

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

2009-09-13T21:46:00.001+01:00

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.

2009-08-30T13:16:00.002+01:00

Steve is still working hard on his recovery. He has been getting out and about to help with his walking and mobility. His mobility is improving but he still has a long way to go to get anywhere near where he was before the incident in June last year.He is still attending Wythenhshawe Hospital for various treatments and consultations. Steve's left arm is now out of traction and he has been having intense physio on the arm to try and give it more mobility. The arm has stretched more but it is difficult to say if it will ever be completely right.

People are coming to visit Steve on a regular basis and he really enjoys their company. He finds it very beneficial to hear about what's going on and what's happening in the wider world, and just to have a good old chin wag.

In September both Pauline and Steve are due to return to Jubilee House Therapy Centre for a two week stay. Steve is looking forward to this period of rehabilitation and rest as the last time he went up to Jubilee House he found the work on his recovery with the dedicated staff very beneficial.

Steve has recently had to overcome a particularly difficult time due to family matters. All of us as a family have once again come together to support each other and Steve has been there along with Pauline to provide support to his sister Sharon.

Steve wanted me to say thank you for everyone's continued support and kind offers of assistance to both him and Pauline.

Thanks,

Gary.

2009-07-29T21:18:00.002+01:00

The procedure has now been carried out to remove the cage and clamp which was attached to Steve's bones in his upper and lower left arm around his elbow area. Steve is very pleased to see this surgical equipment moved from his arm. The weight of it and the cumbersome shape was causing him a number of problems and have been throughout this cage being fixed to his arm. He now has to undergo some intense physio in the elbow area to get the left arm back mobile and hopefully increase its movement still further. Wearing the cage has given Steve a greater degree of movement but Steve being Steve wants gold standard in its movement and will continue to work hard to get it.

Steve's walking his continuing to improve and his leg strength is getting better. He is walking farther now and his well on his way to recovery. Steve's ankle still prevents him from walking perfectly but again he won't give up trying to make his ankle function as it should.

Overall Steve is still making good progress along the road to recovery. later this year but possibly early next year he will be having his hands looked at with a view to improving their mobility and function.

Steve over recent times has had a couple of set backs but he has kept focused and pushed on with getting fitter, stronger and this has allowed him to be the one supporting his close family. This again shows the mark of the man he is.

2009-07-18T10:38:00.001+01:00

Steve is continuing with his day to day recovery and he his working hard on his physio sessions and during his visits to Wythenshawe Hospital. He has now had the final operation on his left elbow and is currently waiting for the date when the metal frame which is attached through into his bone can be removed and he can then start to use his arm again. This will hopefully lead to the opportunity in some months time for the Hand Specialist to start to work on his hands. This will involve more surgery but will in the long term benefit Steve. He is continuing to wear his pressure garments and his grafts are still healing well on his upper and lower body. Pauline and Steve are hoping to have a return visit to Jubilee House Therapy Centre in the next few months which will be very beneficial to both of them as it was at their last visit.

Last week Steve and I spent an afternoon with Amir Khan and his Team at Amir's Gym. Amir and Asif who is Amir's manager very kindly invited Steve to come to the gym to watch Amir prepare for his World title fight on the 18/7/09. The visit was arranged by Steve's friend and fellow Fire fighter Alex Sugden who was also there with Steve to watch Amir train. Steve had a fantastic afternoon and we got some personal time with Amir and we also got to meet the legendary Freddie Roach Amir's trainer. Steve is still talking about the visit now and how much he enjoyed it and how much of a privilege it was to meet Amir, Freddie and Asif.

Unfortunately Steve positive attitude to all that is well in his life at the moment took a knock this last week when he heard of the tragic death of a Scottish Fire fighter and the injury to his Breathing Apparatus partner. Steve like every other Fire fighter received this news with tremendous sadness for the two fire fighters and their families and friends. Steve spoke of the Fire Service family and how he knows that the Fire fighters in Scotland and Country wide will come together to support all those who will need a great deal of support over the coming months and years. We as a family will be sending our personal condolences up to Scotland and our brother Fire fighters in Scotland, their families and friends are very much in our thoughts.

2009-07-07T12:49:00.001+01:00

Steve has now had his last surgery on his left elbow. Early indications are that he has obtained more extension of the arm although he has not been able to gain full extension through the surgery and will continue to have physio on the elbow area with a view to gaining more mobility and better use of his left arm. Steve has been told that the brace currently attached through his skin into the bone of his arm either side of the elbow should be removed over the next two weeks. This is a bonus for Steve has he thought he may have to have had it fitted for another 8 to 10 weeks. He continues to attend Wythenshawe Hospital out reach clinic and is still receiving excellent treatment from all the health care staff there. Steve has had further hearing tests and is going to have fitted in the near future a second hearing aid in his right ear. This will further improve Steve’s quality of life and allow him to have a greater hearing range. He has recently had further treatments on what remains of his fingers on his right hand. The skin grafts in these areas have needed to be treated further due to slight cracking of the skin and his hand is currently bandaged to keep infections out and promote recovery in this area. Steve is currently waiting for information to come back from recent tests he had carried to investigate the stiffness in his right foot and ankle area. Steve is walking so much better now and is stronger in his legs but he is still experiencing problems in the mobility of the ankle and foot.

On Saturday evening Steve along with Pauline, Sharon his sister and I attended the Battle of the Badges boxing tournament held at the Reebok Stadium. Accompanying Steve at his ring side table were close friends from outside of the Fire Service family. What a fantastic night it was for both the spectators and the boxers. Steve being an ex boxer and who still has a keen interest in the noble art thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. During the evening Steve kept us informed about the rules and regulations when we thought the Fire Lads and Girls who were boxing should have won and pointed out why on a number of fights the police boxers pipped us on points for the win. Steve told us he had great admiration for all the boxers. He knows what it takes to climb into a ring to fight someone you don’t have any arguments with for the entertainment of other people. Steve also told me and other people that people say to him he is an inspiration to them in his quest to recover from his terrible injuries. On Saturday night Steve told us that those Boxers both Fire and Police climbing into that ring and fighting for a good cause have given him inspiration to fight on with his own recovery. He has been a little down over recent times with all that has been going on and being part of that spectacle on Saturday night has raised his chin and given him more reasons to carry on. Steve also got to meet one of the legends of Boxing Amir Khan. Steve was thrilled and very surprised that Amir came over to him and presented him with a number of gifts which will have pride of place in Pauline and Steve’s house. Steve wanted me to say well done to all the Fire fighters who took part in the ring they all did themselves and our job proud and can hold their heads high. He only wished he could have climbed in the ring to do his bit. He hopes that this will be an annual event and has said lets get the Ambulance Service involved. May be you never know.

2009-06-23T09:21:00.001+01:00

Steve had the operation on his left elbow yesterday at Wythenshawe Hospital. It went well and the surgeon has repositioned the arm brace so his arm has been extended a little further. This week he is going to have further hearing tests with the possibility of another hearing aid being fitted in the near future to his left ear.

Steve was tired yesterday but in good spirits and he is hoping that eventually his left arm will be more mobile in its movement.

Today as I am sure most of you will be aware that it is 12 months on from that terrible night that saw two people tragically killed and three Fire fighters injured in the line of duty. Pauline has asked for it to be a normal day as possible for Steve and the family today. Steve and the rest of his family are looking forward now and not back on what happened. I only want to say it has been a journey down a road that none of us wanted to travel on, but along the way we have been treated with the utmost kindness, respect and generosity. Steve has really led us from the front with his determination to get himself well and inspired us each individually. For Steve as a fire fighter the only way is forward to finish the task of getting better.

Gary

2009-06-20T14:07:00.001+01:00

Steve has had the operation on his left elbow and is currently fitted with a metal brace which is connected to this arm and is holding it in a more extended manner. He has lost some of his mobility due to the fixed state of his arm but Steve is trying hard to be able to feed himself and take a drink for himself by using his right hand. He is finding this somewhat difficult has he is naturally left handed and he has less fingers remaining on his right hand, but he is trying and that is the main thing.

He is continuing still with his physio and his own exercise regime. He is working hard on his lower limbs at the moment in an effort to be able to climb his stairs at home. This is continuing and it is a slow process which does at times frustrate Steve. Pauline has told the family that Steve is being examined in the near future with the possibility of a further hearing aid being fitted, and he will be having further examinations by the Neurology Team regarding the right ankle and foot which unfortunately is still not fully functioning.

Steve's skin grafts are looking a lot better on his upper body and the one's on his backside and legs are getting better but in these areas it seems to a slower process. Pauline has told us that the Medical Team will be looking at Steve's fingers on his right hand has these may need treatment around what remains of his three fingers.

Steve will be back in hospital on Monday for routine surgery on his left elbow which will involve the arm being further extended with use of the brace which is attached to the arm. Steve will probably need further surgical treatments in this area to keep extending this arm which will hopefully in the long term allow him better use of his arm and add to the quality of his life in the future. Steve also wants to get these surgeries over and done with so that the hand specialist can start doing their work on his hands which again will involve surgery. At my last count I calculated almost thirty procedures have been carried on Steve's body ( and he still smiles and laughs).

Steve is constantly visited by family and friends and is very grateful for these visits and good chats, laughs and the banter. He was over the moon with the do at the Reebok and is very grateful to everyone who turned up and he hopes they all had a great night. He thought all the acts who sang and played were superb and the backing group of Fire fighters should go and support the Pussy Cat Dolls! Both Steve and Pauline want to send a huge thank you from the bottom of their hearts to Emma Hughes and Colin Price for all their hard and dedicated work setting up the event. They both know Emma's Dad Graham would be so proud of Emma for what she has done and Emma is a real credit to her Dad and family.

People constantly ask me about Steve and his progress. I always tell him of all the best wishes people send him and the comments they ask me to pass on. The great thing is that its not only people in our service who are so kind to Steve. I get asked about Steve by Police Officers, Ambulance and medical Staff and the public who know me as Steve's brother in law.This really does help him keep smiling and looking forward. So thanks to you all for everything.

Gary.

2009-06-04T13:05:00.000+01:00

Steve has been informed that his operation on his left elbow may take place at the beginning of next. He may be told as late as Sunday that the op will go ahead, but this is subject to availability of beds on the ward. He will have to remain in hospital for approximately two days following the op for rest and observation. Steve does not know fully yet how much of his mobility in the left arm will be effected, but he has been told it is a complex operation so that will have an impact on what he will be able to do with his left arm for a while. The operation itself we believe will involve the surgeon carrying out detailed work to the front of Steve’s arm where it bends at the elbow joint.

Steve is still remaining positive and is being visited regularly by his family and friends from both within and outside of the Fire Service. These visits are a great source of help to Steve and he’s always pleased to see everyone who comes to the house. Tonight (4/6) is his first night out with family and friends within the Bolton and Greater Manchester Area. Steve and all of us are looking forward to a night of fun and entertainment. Steve has his table near the bar and his straw ready for his Guinness so he is quite happy.

I will update the blog again next week and hopefully Steve will have had the operation and it will have been successful. Thanks for continuing to read my blog updates and far more importantly thank you to all of you for your continued support to Steve and his family.

2009-05-25T21:59:00.001+01:00

Since my last blog Steve has visited the surgeon who has been looking after his left elbow. Steve will have to have further surgery on his left elbow in an attempt to increase its mobility. To be honest Steve is not thrilled at the idea of having to have yet another operation but is going to approach this task like always head on.

Steve has been visited by family and friends this week and always gets a lot from conversations and laughs he has with the people who come along to see him. On Saturday Steve was visited by Emma Hughes the daughter of Graham Hughes who was a fire fighter at Bolton North fire station and Colin Price from Fire Service Headquarters. Emma and Colin have been putting a lot of hard work into arranging a Cabaret night in honour of our Steve which is being held at the Reebok Stadium on the evening of the 4th June. Steve was very interested to hear about what was being planned. He really made all of our days when he agreed to attend the function along with Pauline. This will be the first function he has attended in the Manchester area and he is pleased its at the football ground of the team he supports. Steve told us all it is an opportunity to say thank you personally to a lot of people who attend the night. He is really looking forward to seeing many of you there and in true Steve Morris style has chosen a table near the Bar! If you want to come long please ring emma on 07931729199 or Colin on 07979708476 or 608 4022 you can also contact Gail Price who works on C Watch in Fire Control. Steve and his family will see you on the night.

Overall putting the elbow operation to one side Steve is carrying on with managing his recovery and is keeping positive. He talks more of the future now especially his future with Pauline and what that means to him. Steve wanted me to thank everyone who has been nominating him for the Pride of Britain Awards. I have told him of the messages I have received from family and friends supporting him still and he is very grateful to you all.

Gary

2009-05-19T21:06:00.001+01:00

Steve had a busy week following the Spirit of Fire awards and meeting the Prime Minister. He continues to visit Wythenshawe Hospital for treatment and physio. He has had new pressure garments fitted to his legs to provide further support and to promote further healing in the grafted areas. He has been allowed to leave his pressure gloves off for a period of time to assist with obtaining more flexibility in what remains of his fingers and thumbs.

This week Steve continues with the Hospital visits both at Preston Hospital and Wythenshawe Burns outreach centre. At Preston he will be having his hearing checked and at Wythenshawe he will be meeting with the Surgeon who carried out the work on his broken left elbow. At this meeting Steve may learn that he needs further surgery to this elbow to allow him to have more movement than he has currently.

His walking is still improving and his right ankle has slightly more movement in it so it is a positive sign. He is able now to spend time on his stepping machine and treadmill which again is all positive for Steve. He is now able to hold a fork or spoon between two fingers of his left hand and he has an electric razor and toothbrush which are fitted in cradles which he can use himself so he is able to be a little more independent which is great for him.

Steve as most of you will know made the decision to speak to the Press at the end of last week. It wasn't easy for Steve to do this and he thought long and hard before agreeing to do it. In the family we thought he was tremendous and did a good job. Thanks to everyone who has spoke to family members to say how well they thought he did and how brave he was for doing it. Hopefully now the media interest will fade a little and Steve can concentrate on the job in hand of getting better.

Gary

2009-05-09T23:08:00.012+01:00

Wednesday saw Steve Pauline Sharon and myself travelling down to London for the Spirit of Fire Awards being held at Wembley Arena. We left Manchester Piccadilly train station at 16:55 and arrived at Euston Train Station at 18:10. We then took a taxi to the Wembley Plaza Hotel.

On arrival Steve was feeling tired from the journey down so we went to our rooms to get a good rest before the day and night activities on Thursday.

Thursday saw the rest of the party arriving from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service including members from Bolton Fire Station, Bolton Borough, Fire Authority Members and the Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

At 13:30 The

nominees their families and invited guests all travelled to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister.Steve put his undress uniform on for the first time since the incident last June to meet the Prime Minister. Steve told us how proud he felt when he saw himself in the mirror, and he thought that once again he was a Fire Fighter. Also at No 10 on our arrival was the Footballer David Ginola. We were shown into the staterooms at No 10 and the nominees including our Steve and FF Alex Sugden were taken through to meet with Mr Brown and have their picture taken with him. We all enjoyed the experience with the PM and he addressed the group as a whole with words of praise for the nominees and the Fire Fighters as a whole. Steve and Pauline had a nice chat with David Ginola and David was full of praise for Steve and all firefighters generally. We obviously took lots of pictures outside No10 to keep as mementoes of our trip to Downing Street.

We then made our way back to the hotel at Wembley to prepare for the awards evening being held in the Bobby Moore suite at the Arena. This evening commenced at 19:30 and was a reception then Dinner followed by the presenting of the awards to the nominees. The Fire fighters Charity events Team did an excellent job to ensure the night ran smoothly. The event was attended by a number of Celebs including Bruce Forsyth, Tony Hadley, Carol McGiffen and David Ginola to name but a few. All these people were presenting the awards in each catergory. During the evening Steve was asked who if any one would he want to have presenting him an award if he was fortunate to be awarded one. Steve said straight away Simon Weston who I know is one of Steve's own inspirational Heroes.

When it came to the Beneficiary of Courage award in which Steve had been nominated it was a great surprise for all of us but mostly Steve when Simon Weston came onto the stage with Jane Moore from the Sun newspaper to present the award. As Simon and Jane read out all the worthy nominees a silence came across the audience as they got to the part where the winner was to be announced. All of us held our breaths in anticipation that our Steves name was going to come out of the envelope.

Has Simon read out the name of the winner the two tables occupied by Manchester Fire went up in uproar and cheers as Steve's name was on the card. Steve got up from his wheel chair and then he made his way slowly towards the stage. Everyone in the audience gave him a standing ovation as he walked through them. Carl Haslam and I then helped Steve up onto the stage to receive his award. On the stage Simon and Steve embraced for a moment and it was emotional to see two amazing yet ordinary Guys congratulating each other. Steve had his picture taken on the stage after receiving his award with Jane and Simon. Carl and I then helped him off the stage. At the bottom of the steps he again received a standing ovation and he was met by Pauline who gave him a huge hug and a kiss this was followed by another large hug from his sister Shaz.

Steve made his way back to the table and was greeted by the people on the Manchester Fire tables. He was cheered to his wheel chair with lots of handshakes and back slaps. After sitting back down Steve Pauline Shaz and I then went up to the Green room to meet again Simon and Jane and the other celebs who were up there. Steve had more pictures taken and then spent some time taking to Simon Weston about his recovery and Simon wanted to know all about Steve's incident and how Steve was progressing with his recovery. All the family got to meet Simon and Jane and a number of other celebs which made the experience all that more special. All of them wanted to meet Steve and Bruce Forsyth wanted to shake his hand. From the start of the evening Steve had many people over at his table wanting to meet him and give him their best wishes and The night continued until Steve was feeling tired and suggested that his bed was calling.

When we left the event Pauline suggested we should call a family meeting in the bar back at the hotel. This we did and celebrated Steve's success as a family. We toasted Steve with a Baileys each and he said he was really pleased with receiving the award and that he was pleased that we and the guy's from Manchester Fire were there with him.Then he went up to bed for a well earned rest.

Next day following a full English Breakfast we made our way back up to God's Country from the smoke. Even at Breakfast Steve had people coming over and congratulating him on receiving his award and to wish him all the best for his continued recovery. He felt quite humbled by the attention he had received but was very thankful for everyone's kind comments.

We want to thank the Fire Fighters Charity for their kindness and support whilst at the event and for organising the event. Jo and the Event Team did a fantastic Job. Thanks to everyone who came down from Manchester it was fantastic to be amongst you at such a prestigious event, Thanks to all the celebs who were there giving their time to support the event and coming over to see Steve and the other nominees. A big thank you to Simon Weston for taking time to chat with Steve and inspire him on the greater things. Thanks to everyone from Manchester Fire who supported Steve in his nomination.

The award which is glass and in the shape of a flame with the details engraved on it is now sat in pride of place along with the Tower FM Bolton Radio awards in Steve and Pauline's rear living room over looking their garden.

Gary

2009-05-02T21:42:00.001+01:00

After two weeks of physical activities including gym work, fitness room exercises,swimming pool work outs and various therapy meetings Steve is back home with Pauline.

Steve has had a great two weeks at Jubilee House. In his strength, fitness and mobility has come on a great deal. He has been in one to one sessions and he has been very much in group sessions where he has carried out the same exercises as the rest of the group.

Steve is now walking better and his balance has improved. He has worked on his strength both upper and lower body and has seen a marked increase in his lower body strength. Watching him push himself in the gym, pool or fitness room brings it home to you how much effort he is putting into getting himself back into shape.

Steve has met some wonderful people in the last two weeks at Jubilee House both Staff and Clients. They have been great with Steve, Pauline and me. Steve has made lots of new friends and has had lots of praise for the efforts he has put into his activities.

Steve enjoyed the group activities very much especially the banter during the morning warm up's and in the pool. He also enjoyed the evenings in the lounge area where he could sit and talk to everyone and relax.

On our last day at Jubilee House during lunch a retired Station Officer from London Fire Brigade spoke to Steve. He told Steve he would like to shake his hand because he thought Steve was a hero and he had never been in the presence of a true hero before. He praised Steve for his efforts at Jubilee and told him that he was an inspiration to not only everyone at the house but to everyone right across the fire service community. Steve thanked him for his kind words. Before leaving for home Steve was wished well by all the clients and Staff and Steve said he would return in the near future.

Gary

2009-04-30T10:01:00.001+01:00

I have been here at Jubilee House Therapy Centre since Saturday afternoon. Steve and Pauline had a great first week taking part in all the activities and getting to know the Centre Staff and the other people who are at the centre. After a hand over from Pauline about Steves program for week two and a walk through of the care system in place for him with me Pauline reluctantly had to leave Steve and return home to Chorley.

The program which Steve has been given began again in ernest on Monday morning. I get up each morning at 05:30 and after getting myself ready I go in and wake Steve at 06:00.Between 06:00 and 07:30 I assist the nurse to get Steve ready for breakfast and his following activities, treatments etc. Steve has to undergo a rigourous dressing procedure which does take it out of him each time he has to have his pressure garments removed and placed back on which is twice a day.

Steve and I have breakfast and at 08:45 we join the rest of the group that Steve is with for the days activities. The programme includes out door activities eg walking, pool activities including hyro pool therapy, fitness room work and fitness work in the centres gym. There are a number of workshops which Steve attends to do with how to deal with certain aspects of his recovery and help in how to work on these aspects. The activities are designed to push Steve on with his recovery and they certainly do that. Steve loves to get stuck in and is feeling and seeing the benefits of his stay so far at jubilee House. He is walking better, becoming more supple and is definitely one of the group with his quick wit and banter. I am allowed to join Steve with all his activities and therapies and it has brought home to me the fact of the hill Steve is still having to climb on his journey to recovery, Over only the last few days because I am with him a good deal of the time ! I have once again seen different sides to Steve and the emotional and physical toll the last 10 months have taken and the hardships at times he is still very bravely dealing with.

Steve being Steve he throws himself into everything with as much effort has he can muster. The Centre Staff and the other people using Jubilee house are amazed at his committment and enthusiasm to push himself on.

Today we have undertaken warm ups in the gym followed by a session in the fitness room. then we went out on a walk to Brougham Hall. In the afternoon Steve attended a workshop and finished the day wih an intense work out in the Hydrotherapy pool. All the activities are carried out with the medical Staff there with Steve. Each day is similiar in its intensity and believe me it is no holiday camp.

Everyone who attends the therapy centre for treatment is given a detailed program to follow which caters for their individual needs. The centre Staff are all excellent professional dedicated people and really do care for all the people who are at the Centre. Steve, Pauline and I have made some great friends up here and being amongst fire fighters their partners and families has been great for Steve. They are all special people who have shown kindness and interest in Steve for both his welfare and well being.

A new day dawns tomorrow. Which will see Steve and I along with our group doing aerobic warm ups at 08:45 followed by gym work where Steve will use the tread mill, and trampoline for both his fitness and balance. In the afternoon we are once again out doors and the days activities will conclude in the pool. Following the actvities I once again assist the nurse to get Steve ready for the evening meal. This does involve his pressure garments being taken off to allow Steve skin to be treated the garments are then replaced. This usually takes around an hour each time.

Steve obviously gets tired from all this activity and following our evening meal I usually help Steve with stretching exercise on his left arm for about an hour. I then help Steve where required with getting ready for bed and he usually goes to bed around 9pm. I then myself go to my room to get my head down to recharge the batteries ready for next day.

Gary.

2009-04-25T14:16:00.001+01:00

Pauline and Steve have been at the Fire Services Therapy Centre for a week now. During the last week Steve has followed an intensive program of physiotherapy and exercise. He has been into the pool there and undergone Hydrotherapy treatment. Along the way Pauline has been his training partner and has helped him along with the Staff at the centre with all his exercises and therapies. Steve's days are long but he has the chance to rest and recover in the evenings. Pauline has told us that Steve as usual is putting his all into the various treatments he his having, but we would expect anything else would we.

Both Pauline and Steve have kept in contact with the family and kept us up to date with all that has been going on at Jubilee House. The staff at the Centre have been working on Steve's overall mobility and well being. The nursing staff have been looking after his skin graft and have been helping Pauline with the treatments which Steve's skin needs to have applied on a regular basis.

Both Pauline and Steve have so far really enjoyed the stay at Jubilee. Its certainly no holiday camp and the Staff expect Steve to apply himself fully in all aspects of his exercise program. Both of them have told us that the Centre Staff are absolutely fantastic. They both feel they have been treated really well and Steve has made many new friends not just with the Centre Staff but with the other fire fighters who are up at Jubilee House like him having treatment.

Pauline has asked me to pass on a big thank you to everyone who has donated to the Fire Fighters Charity. The facilities and staff at the Therapy Centre are second to none. All the donations that go to keeping the Therapy Centre available are well used and have been of great benefit to people who need care like our Steve.

I will be joining Steve up at the Therapy Centre on the 25th April for one week and taking over from our Pauline as his carer/training partner. I am really looking forward to the week and I hope I can keep up with Steve when he's exercising. I'll up date the blog with information about how the big fella and me are doing up there.

Gary.

2009-04-19T18:27:00.002+01:00

Steve has now gone up to the Therapy Centre at Jubilee House. Steve has been working very hard as you know over the last several weeks on his fitness prior to the stay at Jubilee House. He is now looking to put himself through some quality physical therapy with the Team at the Centre. Pauline is with him for welfare and emotional support.

We last saw Steve on Thursday evening. He was in good form and we had a great time with him and Pauline. I had a good one on one chat with Steve about how he was truly feeling about things at the moment. He told me he his still feeling on some days a little down about the situation he finds himself in but he his looking forward to the future regarding further work on his burns and his hands to make improvements in those areas. He is really working hard on his walking and improving his balance. He said he'll only meet Pauline at the alter when he can walk better than he is at the moment. Pauline obviously has Steve on his feet has much as possible!!!! It will not be long before Steve is striding up the aisle to make that date with Pauline.

I will be joining Steve up at jubilee for the second week of his stay there. I will keep you all informed of the work he is putting in there and how he is doing. Watching Steve recently working on his fitness I know I have my work cut out keeping up with the man.

Gary.

2009-04-09T12:19:00.001+01:00

We have just spent a good evening with Steve and Pauline. Steve was a little tired due to spending most of the day at Wythenshawe Hospital. He had some intense physio on his left arm and elbow which is still being manipulated to extend further than it currently can. He has had new pressure bandages fitted which are helping with the skin grafts and he has been prescribed new types of gels and creams to ensure his skin his kept in the best of health.

He is working hard on his leg strength and balance before he goes to Jubilee house at the end of the month. He is still looking forward to this visit and he is hoping that he has a full and active time there.

Now he is home he has a carer who comes in each day and looks after his medical care and his personal welfare. The care team will be available to Steve has long has he needs them there. In the future he will reach a point where he is more able to take care of himself and at that point the care team will scale down their involvement with Steve.

We spoke to him tonight about the Trekking for Steve event now that Ian Brian and Steve are all safely home. Steve thinks they have done a great job and wants them to visit and talk to him about the trip. He did mention Frodos feet. I'm sure one of the walkers will be able to enlighten him on who's feet they were in the mobile phone picture sent from China!!

Steve recovery is going well. His left elbow is bothering him a little bit as he wants it to extend further and he wants that to happen quicker than it currently is. He may need another operation on the elbow in the near future. He will be seeing the orthopaedic surgeon in 5 weeks. It will be at this consultation that a decision is perhaps made as to whether or not an operation is required.

Gary.

2009-03-29T21:15:00.001+01:00

Steve has had another full week this last week and has took the opportunity this weekend to catch up on his rest. He has had a number of hospital appointments and everything regarding his recovery from his injuries is progressing well. The burns to his lower buttocks have almost healed now. This has been such a long process but the area is looking much better. Steve may return to Wythenshawe hospital in the near future for a short inpatient stay for further treatment. He also has the visit to the Fire Service therapy centre coming up so he is keeping active and working towards being more mobile and able to look after himself.

Steve has further appointments with the consultant who did the surgery on his elbow. More surgery may be required in the near future to enable him to be more flexible in this area. All this is in the early stages of the decision making process and Steve will decide what he wants to happen and what further surgery he wants to go through.

Steve was visited this week by Mr Dixon, Chief Fire Officer and Mr Ciaramella, Assistant Chief Fire Officer. Steve and Pauline thoroughly enjoyed their company and had a really good chat with them. Steve commented to me after their visit how good it was to see them both and how grateful he was that they had taken time from their busy schedule to come and see him and Pauline at their house.

Steve has a somewhat quieter week coming up and visiting from family and friends is starting again. He is looking forward to seeing people and catching up on what they have been up to.

Thanks for keeping in touch.

Gary

2009-03-21T12:18:00.005Z

Our Steve is home now and has had a busy week with visiting various hospitals and being visited by a number of care professionals. The main thing for Steve Pauline and the wider family is that he is home now and already we have seen a more determined effort to get fitter. Pauline has named him "pneumatic man" because he just wants to keep going when he is exercising and doing his physio. This obviously does tire the man out and in the evenings he settles down early to rest and recovery ready for the next day.

Whilst he has been home Steve has been working on using his hands more and is now able to lift a cup to his mouth more comfortably and he is getting better at using his knife and fork. Steve has the attitude that he wants to do everything for himself. Sometimes he does get frustrated with not being able to do things properly but Pauline is there to help him when help is required.

Overall has I have said before being home for Steve is a massive move forward both physically and psychologically. He will have a team of carers including Pauline and the family looking after him. The care package for Steve is currently being put in place for the next several months to ensure his well being and to assist with his continued Health Care.

To finish this blog on a high note. Steve and the family have been informed that Steve has been short listed for the Beneficiary of courage award which is part of the highly prestigious national awards ceremony held each year by the Fire Fighters Charity. This years event will be held at Wembley Stadium. Steve is very pleased and once again humbled by the fact he has been short listed for this very special award. Pauline and all the family are so proud of Steve. We have also heard that some members of Steve's Watch and Bolton Central Fire Station have been nominated for other awards at the event,and Steve and his family are pleased for them and also proud of them to.

Fire Fighter Carl Haslem one of Steve's best friends has asked me to update all the readers of this blog of the new address site for the blog which is www.stevesrecovery.co.uk Carl has purchased and set up this web site for Steve so that he can in the future take over and write this blog himself. Something which I know Steve is keen to do when his fingers have recovered more fully. Thanks Carl.

2009-03-13T20:53:00.001Z

After 8 months 18 days and several hours Fire fighter Steve Morris who has come through so much is finally home. He walked out of Hospital today and after a short car ride he walked back into his house for good. Before leaving he thanked the Hospital Staff for looking after him so well while he has been in Chorley Hospital.

Steve now begins the next step of his journey under the care of Pauline and the care team who will be administering Steve's after care package. Steve is still on the mend and will be so for a good while to come but this is proof that he is getting better.

Steve and Pauline want me to send out a huge thank you to everyone who has visited him and sent cards and kind words while he has been in hospital. You have all been fantastic and truly wonderful people. I would also like to thank all of you on behalf of Steve's family. To be perfectly honest without all of you I do not know how we would have coped with all of what has happened. From the dark days when we though Steve would leave us to now and this fantastic day when he has come home you have been there for us. All I can say is thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Now Steve is home visiting will continue. We'll work out a new rota to allow people to come over and visit him in castle Phipps - Morris. I'll continue to keep you updated through this blog so thank you for keeping up with Steve's progress.

2009-03-12T23:40:00.004Z

Steve has been having further physio on his left elbow. He travelled to Alexandra Hospital this week and had the stitches removed from the elbow area. He does have more movement in his arm now but he will have to work hard over the coming months to increase the movement in his left elbow.

We spent an evening with Steve on Wednesday. He was ok in himself and he was talking about when he gets out of Hospital which we are all hoping is very soon now. He is keen to attend the boxing match in June but is mindful that he may be having further surgery on his left hand around that time. If he can be there he will be.

Steve has also been to the Burns Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital this week. This is the usual visit where the Burns Team check on Steve's skin grafts to make sure they are all still healing ok and the physio also assesses him to ensure that his limbs are all ok in the areas where the burn damage occurred.

Both Steve and his family know that once Steve gets home his recovery will go from strength to strength. He wants to be to manage himself more and being home will enable him to do this. This week I have been carrying out my Family Liaison duties and liasing with the one of the Care Team who will be providing home care fro Steve in the coming months. I am keen that the Fire Service through me are able to link in to the care package being set up for Steve. This can only add to Steve's overall support, and I am being allowed to be more hands on over the next few weeks with assistance to Steve and Pauline once he gets home. I must thank my Borough Commander and his Deputy for allowing me to do this.

On Wednesday night we took Steve a gift from the Fire Fighters of Salford Fire Station. This was from the All Stars match. When we gave Steve the gift he was taken aback and said he will thank the Salford Fire fighters personally in the future for their generosity but he wanted me to say how grateful he is to them now.

People tell me that they enjoy reading this blog and keeping up with how Steve is progressing and being able to feel for him when he is not feeling his best. Pauline, Steve fiancee has told me that the Ladies at the Liverpool branch of the company she works for read the blog all the time and the really nice comments they gave her about the blog. Thank you ladies and God bless you. One day soon I hope that our Steve will take over writing this blog. That will be another milestone for him to reach in the future and something else he is aiming for.

It has been almost 9 months now since Steve was admitted to Hospital. Hopefully fingers crossed his road to recovery is about to take its next step and see him coming home. We have the welcome home card ready.

Gary.

2009-03-04T23:02:00.001Z

Our Steve continues to push on with his recovery. We last visited him on Monday night. I helped him with some exercise on his left arm and his sister Shaz and I assisted him with his step ups which he did really well. While we were there Shaz cleansed and moisturised his face and sorted his ears out. During the course of the evening we walked around with Steve and his walking his getting much better and he his continuing to get his strength back in his legs.

He went home last weekend and had a good couple of days with Pauline. He told Pauline that he wasn't going to sleep upstairs until he was strong enough to get up and down the stairs on his own as he wanted to make sure he could escape if there was a fire! ( always the Fire fighter ). While he has been home the benefits of having the operation on his left elbow have become more apparent to Steve. He has more confidence in getting things done himself. On one of the mornings he managed to get himself out of bed and put his tracky bottoms and Tee shirt on himself. He then lifted himself into his wheel chair and made his way over to the table. When Pauline came downstairs she was greeted by Steve looking out onto their garden reading the Times newspaper!!!. Both Pauline and Steve want to send a thank you to all the Staff at the Hospital where he had his operation and a big thank you to the surgeon Mr Philips who carried out the op. Over the last week he has also got out of the Hospital with Pauline and his cousins and walked to the pub which is just outside the Hospital grounds. The incentive of a cold draught Guinness or two made the short but hard journey worthwhile.

During last week Pauline took Steve to visit his mum at his mums house. They had a really good visit together and Steve spent along time with his mum talking about his future and how she should not worry to much about him as he was always going to be the Steve she knew and loved. He left his mum with a big hug and even bigger smile.

Back to this week Steve has had his hearing aids fitted and this has made more improvements to his recovery. He is now able to listen to his visitors more easily and can engage better with conversations between them all.

He continues to be visited by his family and friends from both within and outside of the Fire Service. He really does enjoy all the visits he has and looks forward to having a laugh and chat with everyone.

His body continues to heal. The base of his buttocks are getting better and are now almost healed which is very good for Steve. His other grafted areas are looking really well and the scars on the side of his face are doing very well.

We were hoping Steve would be home by now and we don't think it will be to far off. The medical care package has yet to be put fully in place for when he does come home. Once this is finalised then he will be demobbed from hospital and sent home.

Steve has you all know is a very determined and strong willed individual. Watching and assisting him with his exercises this week brought that fact home to me again. He does put his all into it and never takes the easy route. I'm sure somewhere down the line he will be able to inspire people who have unfortunately found themselves in a similar position to him to push on and take the positive road to recovery and never give up by taking his example.

Pauline contacted me today (4/3) to let me know Steve had got into Jubilee House Therapy Centre in the near future. She will be going with Steve for the first week and I will be with him for the second week. Pauline was thrilled at this news as she knows Steve is desperate to get up there for some intense therapy and exercise. Steve will find out tonight off Pauline about the 2 week visit and we know this will give him such a big boost. I'm really looking forward to being there helping him along. I know its going to be hard work because he will insist on me doing everything he does so I'm out tabbing around the roads in a quest to get fitter before I go!

Thank you to everyone for your continued support for Steve and his family. Take care.

Gary.

2009-02-27T10:59:00.001Z

Steve has undergone the operation on his left elbow yesterday. Following the operation Steve is now back at Chorley Hospital and resting. Pauline Steve's Fiancee has told us that the operation went according to plan with the elbow joint being operated on and loose bone fragments cleaned from around the area. We do not know yet if Steve will require further operations on this elbow but we are hoping that this will not be the case. He has to return to the hospital where he had the op done to have it checked in 2 weeks time. The elbow has you would expect is swollen at the moment, bandaged and aching. Steve wants to thank those that assisted him in reducing the time he had to wait from 18 weeks to several days to get this surgery done.

Steve will now have approx 70 degrees of flexion in his left arm and hopefully with more physio this will extend to enable him to fully straighten his arm.

Some more positive news is that some of the deep scar tissue in his right leg has broken up which has allowed Steve to fully straigthen his right leg. This has made his walking a little easier and sitting down and standing up easier to. Today he walked for 25 minutes non stop. Along with Pauline who was pushing his wheel chair in case he got tired Steve walked from his hospital room down to the hospital shop to buy some chocolate. He found his way there without help from Pauline and used the hospital lift to get down to the ground floor where the shop is. After buying his choccy supply he walked back to his room unaided. Pauline said he did fantastic and was chuffed with himself.

Steve is at the moment resting in his room. Content with the fact that he has had the op on his elbow done and with a belly full of chocolate.

2009-02-22T12:35:00.001Z

Steve has been visited this week by family and friends. He has thoroughly enjoyed all these visits and has said it’s great that people want to keep coming along and seeing him.

Shaz and I went to see him at home this weekend. We spent an evening having a good laugh, eating Chinese food and having a glass or two of Guinness. Steve and I spent some time talking shop. Steve is interested in what is going on at work and talking about work helps to keep him involved. We got to see Steve using his stair lift which he has nicknamed the Turbo Terminator on account of its super slow speed of operation! We had a good laugh at Steve’s expense watching him going up and down the stairs on the lift. He’s very grateful though for the stair lift has it makes life a lot better when he is on his home visits. Steve was hoping that he may have been home permanently this coming week but we do not expect that to be the case now and he may have to remain in hospital just a little while longer.

Steve’s grafts are still healing well. The grafts on his buttocks are doing really well now. The skin above and at the sides of his ears is also looking much better these days and the dead skin around these areas has all gone now. He is currently waiting for his hearing aids to be fitted and so bring his hearing back up to a level which will make his quality of life better.

Steve continues to press on with his walking and step ups. He has had the results back from the tests he had carried out recently on his right foot, ankle and leg. The results have revealed that his foot or ankle is not broken or that any nerves have been trapped which is good news. What the Doctors feel may have happened is that the severe burn damage to the rear of Steve’s legs may have caused the nerves to separate which has interrupted the messages from the brain which tells the foot ankle and leg to move. The Doctors feel that if Steve keeps making repeated movements through walking etc then the messages from his brain may find a new path which gives him greater and more normal movement in this area. It may be that the damage nerves rejoin in the correct way which would be better. Only time will tell, but we expect it to be many months for this to happen before Steve knows.

Steve’s left elbow operation is going ahead this coming week on the 25th. Prior to that he is at Wythenshawe Hospital all day on Monday 23rd to meet with the Burns Team. This day is eight months on from the incident. The following day he will be resting and being prepped for the operation on Wednesday. On Wednesday Steve and Pauline will be travelling to another Hospital to have his operation and this will involve an overnight stay. Thursday and Friday will see Steve resting following his operation.

Steve has kindly asked that no one visits him this week. With all that is going on he does not want to be tired etc when people come to visit him because he wants visitors to have a good visit plus he does not know exactly where he will be on Tuesday Thursday or Friday.

Steve and his family are hoping that the work on his elbow will only take one operation, but we will have to wait until the surgeon goes in and has a look. It may mean more operations should the damage be greater than expected.

Steve is so pleased he does not have to wait the 18 weeks that was first talked about and this operation will lead into further operations on his hands, but he needs this operation on his left elbow prior to having further surgical work done on his left hand.

Pauline and Steve want me to tell everyone that the money that has been collected and given to Steve is being put to good use. Pauline recently purchased for Steve items of mobility equipment. One piece of equipment is what snow boarder’s use out of season to keep their lower body strength and mobility / flexibility up. Steve is finding using the board very beneficial to exercising his legs, ankles and feet and say’s he can already feel the strength in his legs improving quicker. So a big thank you to all of you for again helping with Steve’s recovery.

I’ll update you all again later this week when Steve has had his operation.

Gary.

2009-02-12T16:25:00.002Z

We went and paid Steve a visit on Tuesday evening this week. Steve was a little tired when we first got there and he wasn’t his usual self. He explained that he just felt drained and just wanted to go home. He told us of the irritation his left elbow was causing him because he couldn’t straighten it properly and that the operation might take up to 18 weeks to be done. We had known previously about this time scale and had spoken to Pauline about it. Pauline has made the decision that Steve is definitely not waiting 18 weeks to have this operation and has arranged to go private and so get it sorted much sooner. We obviously support Pauline in what she is doing for our Steve and will assist her where we can. Unfortunately the hand specialist cannot work on Steve’s left hand until the left elbow is sorted out so this has also prompted Pauline to take this decision.

While we were there Shaz got her brother out of the chair and he did the obligatory several times around the ward. His walking is still unsteady but is getting better. When Steve came back into his room and sat down Pauline showed us his back and how that was improving. The burns on his shoulders are looking more pink and normal now as are the areas where the skin was stripped off his back and his sides to provide the grafts onto his burns. Steve told us the areas were still sensitive but not as painful as they have been in the past.

Steve cheered up when he told us he had been visited that day by a couple of lads from the Fire Service. One of them Mike O’Neill who had organised the Charity All Stars football match brought Steve a match programme and other items from the day including a DVD of the game. Steve really enjoyed the visit and couldn’t believe what had gone on. He said it would be great if they could hold another game this summer and he would definitely be there to watch and present the trophy hopefully next time to Team Salford. He once again wanted me to thank everyone who had been involved with the football match and everyone who had turned up to watch.

Pauline had arrived by this time and we had a chat about the up coming appointment with the consultant who will be dealing with Steve’s left elbow. Pauline also said Steve was waiting for news about his Hearing aids and the result from the Neurology test he had done on his right ankle 2 weeks ago. Steve and the family are really hoping for good news about this ankle.

By this time Steve was getting sleepy. We said our goodbyes and left Pauline to get Steve ready for bed. This takes sometime due to Pauline having to rub cream in to Steve’s skin and then replace the pressure bandages with the help of the nurses. Both Shaz and I have not seen Steve looking so fed up for a while now. We know he puts a brave face on at times for visitors but Pauline has told him he mustn’t hide his emotions has this will not do him any good. Steve’s a brave bloke and has a lot of pride but we are concerned for him and the fact that he has been in hospital now nearly 8 months.

Ending this blog on a more cheerful note Steve’s stair lift has been fitted and he’s had go. Many thanks to the fire fighters charity for purchasing and paying for it to be installed. I told Steve I’ll fit low profile wide wheels to it and go faster stripes. I said to Steve he reminded me of the Peter Kay character in phoenix nights when Steve was using the stairlift!!!!

Gary.

2009-02-05T21:00:00.000Z

Shaz and I had a great visit with Steve tonight. He was in good form and we spoke about his mums visit which was this afternoon and how much Steve had enjoyed his mum and her friend Pete being there. It was Shaz's birthday on Monday just gone. Pauline and Steve had got her a lovely pressy and card. It brought a tear to shaz's eye when she read the card because Steve had been practising writing it out for her and although it is still painful for him to do he had managed to write something special inside.

While we were with Steve we did the usual several laps around the ward and Steve did several step ups onto his step box. He has now progressed to stepping up so that both feet are on the box and then stepping back down again. He has to take it slowly but its another indication that he is regaining strength in his leg muscles.

He has had is in growing toenail sorted and he feels better for that now. He is able once again to put his right foot down in a more normal manner when he is walking. The results from the examination on his right ankle are due back soon and we are hoping for good news. The Hospital as an extra measure are going X-ray the ankle area to make sure there's nothing sinister going on in there to do with the muscles or bones.

Pauline has told Shaz and I that the stairlift is due for being installed any day now. This will be good news for Steve has it will mean he can spend more time at home which will lead to him being permanently discharged from Hospital hopefully in the near future. Medical care will continue for some time to come but this will be delivered as an outreach type of care.

We left Steve tonight to get his head down and get some rest. He is going home again on Saturday and is really looking forward to that again. The visit was really good. Seeing Steve laughing and joking with us both was great even though once again I got some stick off him for various reasons mainly to do with the wearing of certain thermal garments. I don't mind and he's bigger than me.

Hopefully we'll see you all at the Football match this Sunday.

2009-01-30T00:00:00.000Z

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!

2009-01-25T00:00:00.000Z

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.

2009-01-19T00:00:00.000Z

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.

2009-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

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.

2009-01-11T00:00:00.000Z

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.

2009-01-07T00:24:00.000Z

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.

2009-01-01T00:25:00.000Z

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.

2008-12-26T00:31:00.000Z

On Christmas day we waited for the call to say that Steve would be allowed home to be with Pauline and the family at his own home. The family had gathered at Pauline and Steve's house and I got the call from Pauline to go and get Steve at PM. Pauline was already with Steve and had got him ready to come home. When I arrived Pauline brought Steve out to the car in his wheel chair. They had both practised getting Steve from his wheel chair and into a car and I had tried out our cars to see which one was suitable to get Steve into and home. Pauline and I assisted Steve to get from his chair and into the car. This had to be done slowly and Steve gritted his teeth and got on with transfer. Once in I buckled him in and then took him the short distance to his house. When we arrived Steve looked out of the car window and said it was great to able to see his house again and he said he felt good being home.

The family all came out to greet him. Pauline and I got him from the car and into his wheelchair. I wheeled him into the house and as you can imagine it was an emotional time for his mum, Pauline, Pauline's mum, his sister and everyone else in the house. When Steve was inside his sisiter Sharon started everyone cheering and clapping him and he was hugged by his mum and all the girls. To see that smile on his face made everyone's Christmas complete and Steve thanked everyone for being there for him and said how great the house looked and how good it felt being back inside it. He told me that he knew he was very lucky to be there and was very thankful for that. I told him that neither I nor any of his family had ever doubted he would one day come back through his front door and that his next goal should be to walk in to his house.
We had a great day and evening. Steve had a brilliant time. More family members came round in the evening. He had a number of phone calls from family who couldn't be there and I got a number of very nice text messages from friends both inside and outside of the Fire Service to wish him well and to ask if he had got home, all of which I showed to Steve.

Steve sat and spoke to his mum and said some very nice and comforting things to her. he reassured her everything was going to be alright. Steve spoke to everyone to say what a great time he was having. During the evening Pauline got us to get Steve up and let him have a walk around his dining room and kitchen. That was to walk off some of his mums apple pie because he had eaten most of it during the day.

When the day came to an end everyone hugged and spoke to Steve saying how well he had done and what a fantastic guy he was and now he had been home he could come home again soon. Steve really wants to and this has definitely spurred him on in his recovery.

Pauline and I got him back to the hospital and Pauline took him back to his room. Later Pauline's mum Breda texted me to say Steve had insisted on walking around the hospital ward before he got into bed and that following this walk around he was resting after having a wonderful day.

2008-12-20T00:32:00.000Z

Steve when we saw him last night was a little tired from the physio and dressing change he had during the day. He said he was ok but was still a little exhausted from the days activities. We chatted to Steve about family things and we got him laughing. I promised to take him a Big Mac meal with a large Coke on the 24th which is his birthday. I said I thought I'd treat him and push the boat out a bit. So he now has something to look forward to!

We are now waiting to see if the Medical Staff at the Hospital are happy enough with Steve to be able to let him out for a while on the 25th. Pauline will let us know as soon as she knows. It's looking good so far but we'll have to wait probably until the day to find out for definite.
We stayed with Steve for about two hours and he thanked us for coming to see him. The next time we see Steve will be on his birthday. I will update the blog after Christmas Day. So on behalf of Steve, Pauline and our families we would like to wish everyone a peaceful,healthy and happy Christmas.

Gary Dewar. Steve's Brother in Law.

2008-12-17T00:32:00.000Z

Steve has been visited over the last several days by family and friends. All have them have said how well Steve is doing on his road to recovery. When we go and see him now we always have him up and walking around the area outside of his room. His strength is slowly returning and his walking is not as it sounds but more of a shuffle along. Nonetheless Steve is getting up regularly from his hospital bed and moving them legs of his so it big steps for him which brings him nearer to his goal of getting home to Pauline.

Christmas as we all know is fast approaching. Steve's family are hoping and praying that our Steve can be home for this special day if only for a few hours. It would be such a massive achievement for Steve and a big boost for our families if the big fella could be sat in his own dining room for Christmas dinner with Pauline and the family. Lets hope the good Lord is looking down on him one more time and gives him that chance. If for any reason he cannot get home then we are all at the hospital for the day. There's no way I am going to let Steve be alone on Christmas day. Steve has another special day coming up. His birthday is on the 24th December. Pauline and the family will be with him on this day to celebrate and raise a can of Guinness with him and perhaps eat one of his mince pies (if he lets us!!).

Steve has such determination to get himself well it is truly inspirational to see and be apart of. Anyone who has seen him would support me I'm sure in saying that. He asks continually to do physio and is always looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. He enjoys all the visits he gets especially from his Mum, Pauline and his sister Sharon. When we get together there is more laughter and banter now and the good visit are outweighing the ones that are not to good.

Steve's skin grafts and burns are continuing to heal. He is still having some problems with the burns on the top of his legs at the rear. These burned areas are healing but are taking there time. His ankle is moving a little more now which is a good sign and he is having further physio on the arm where he damaged his elbow during the incident on the 23/06. He regularly returns to Wythenshawe Hospital to be checked over by the Burns Centre Staff and other specialist medical people.

Steve is moving forward. He is still not well and must continue to work hard to get himself to that place where he no longer needs help. That unfortunately is sometime off but given the type of man he is then he will get there and stand proud at the end of it. Both Steve and Pauline want me to say a heart felt thank you to White Watch S16. I took a get well card and a gift to Steve from the Fire fighters and Officers there. Steve and Pauline were overwhelmed once again by the generosity of people in the service and when Steve read the card he commented on how great it was that people some of them who didn't even know him were so thoughtful and kind in supporting him. This only inspires him more to get better, and I know I have said it in the past but I really do believe we are all helping big Steve to get better. So thank you to everyone for Steve's continued support through cards, Text messages, the just giving site and asking the family about him when you see us.

I will be seeing him again in the next few days. I'll send another update following this visit.

2008-12-09T00:39:00.000Z

Tonight I went to see Steve along with Pauline. Steve also had another visitor who had offered early in Steve treatment to come and see him. Jim S is a firefighter who had been badly burned a number of years ago. Steve, Pauline and I sat and listened while Jim took us all through what he had to do and go through during his recovery. Steve asked many questions as Jim spoke of experiences whilst getting better and was very interested to hear how Jim coped with it all. Jim showed Steve and Pauline the burned areas on his legs and arms to give Steve an idea of how the skin grafts would heal. He talked of his physio sessions and the work he had to put into these sessions to build his strength and confidence. Jim gave a frank and honest account of what he went through on his own road to recovery which took over two years.

Our Steve now knows it will not be a quick fix for him getting better and he has a good while to go on his road to recovery. This was an excellent meeting with Jim for all of us but especially Steve. he had some one he could relate to with everything he has had to go through so far and we feel it has strengthened his resolve to keep fighting to get himself better. Jim if you are reading this thank you for your time and your calm positive attitude when telling Steve his life will continue to get better and his recovery will go from strength to strength, and that he should never give up.

We were joined during the visit by a member of the hospital staff. We discussed Steve's ongoing program of recovery and what he required in the short to mid term future. We agreed that the amount of physio he is currently having is sufficient and manageable by Steve. We did discuss about Steve having more physio sessions during the week but Steve and Pauline decided after talking to the hospital staff member that the current regime of three times a week was enough at this time. The Physio has given Steve exercises which visitors when they go to see him can help him with if Steve wants them to. We also spoke about Jubilee house therapy centre. Steve will be visiting Jubilee house sometime in the New Year and Chorley Hospital will be contacting the Fire Fighters Charity to liaise on these visits. The staff at Chorley Hospital have Steve's recovery plan well in hand are doing a great job.

At the end of my visit with Steve. I sat in his room for a short while with both him and Pauline. We discussed what Jim and the member of hospital staff had said and agreed that what they had said was all good and was the path Steve should follow at this time. Steve found the visit very beneficial and is already setting himself short term goals to prove to himself he his getting better. I left them both to have a drink of Guinness (Steve's fav tipple), share a packet of crisps and have some personal time with each other.

2008-12-07T00:40:00.000Z

Steve has now been moved across to Chorley Hospital. This is to further Steve's recovery and the move allows him to be much nearer home which makes visiting by Pauline his Fiancee a lot more manageable. Steve was sorry to move from The Burns Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital. The Staff at the Burns Centre and Steve developed a special bond. They were instrumental in saving his life and putting him on his road to recovery. Steve will never forget what everyone did for him at the Burns centre and he cannot thank them enough. He has not completely left the Wythenshawe Hospital. He will have to return as an outpatient on a regular basis for further consultations and treatments for a good while to come.

Steve is now receiving excellent care at Chorley Hospital the Staff are really looking after Steve well. Whilst he is a patient there he will be receiving more physio to enhance his recovery.
Steve's sister Sharon and I visited Steve today (7/12). Steve was sat in his wheel chair reading his newspaper when we arrived. Steve has had more exercise by walking around where he is with the help of people. Whilst we were there today we took Steve out in his wheel chair for a look around the grounds of the Hospital and to give him some cold crisp Lancashire air. He enjoyed the trip out and thanked us for taking him.

Steve was in good spirits today and feeling well. His burns continue to heal and he is getting stronger in both body and mind. Steve is remaining positive and has said he is looking forward to the future when he is well enough to leave Hospital and be at home again with Pauline. We had a great visit with him and he thanked us for coming to see him and for everything we had done for him.

At the end of the visit we said our goodbyes and left Steve to have his evening meal. Later on tonight he is having a visit from Pauline.

2008-12-03T00:41:00.000Z

Steve is making good progress with his recovery. He was in good spirits tonight when we saw him. He is able to move his fingers more now and the swelling on the left hand has gone quite a bit. The grafts are still healing well on his arms and legs but his grafts at the top of his legs are taking their time to settle down and are still giving Steve some pain. Overall though he is healing well.

The physio as always is continuing at a pace and Steve is having to do various exercises which do tire him out. He is pleased that he is starting to gain more movement in his right ankle and can now move his toes on his right foot a little more. These are all big positive signs of his continuing recovery.

Steve spent time with his mum tonight as it is her birthday. They reminisced and joked about things that had happened in the past and spoke about how well he is doing now. His mum had a wonderful visit with her son and it really made her birthday special to have that time with him.
Steve is seeing the Doctor tomorrow to discuss his progress up to now and to look at the treatment he will need in the immediate future.
I spoke to Steve tonight about the Trafford Centre rowing event which is being held tomorrow. He asked me to wish everyone well and to say thanks for everyone's support. He also asked me to pass on his best wishes to a mate off his watch called Davy who is having a retirement do on the 5/12.

Gary - Steve's Brother in Law.

2008-11-23T00:53:00.000Z

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.

2008-11-17T00:54:00.000Z

Hi everyone. Steve's sister Shaz, one of his nieces louise and I went and paid our Steve a visit this afternoon at the Burns Centre. Steve was sat in bed watching boxing on his TV. We found him in a good mood and very talkative. He told us about having another bath today and how treatment is is going. Steve showed us his left hand which is now uncovered. The surgeon has done a really good job on this hand. More of the fingers have been saved on this hand although the thumb is slightly shorter than on his right hand. All the fingers on his left hand are now moving which is a good sign with the healing process. The bandages on his legs are now being reduced further. This is great for Steve has the dressings changes are now reducing in time which means a reduction in pain.

Steve's physio sessions are moving on a pace. He is now up to walking 3 times around the Burns Centre in one go! The Nursing Staff all think Steve is progressing really well and it will not be long before the treatment of his burn injuries comes to an end as an inpatient within the Burns Centre and the rehabilitation phase of his road to recovery begins. This may be undertaken at another Hospital we are now waiting for further information on this.

Overall a great visit with Steve today. We gave him one of the new Trekking for Steve tee shirts which are being produced and sold for the Great Wall of China walk next year. Our Steve loved it and said that when he can he'll wear it with pride.

Gary - Steve's Brother in Law.

2008-11-12T00:55:00.000Z

I visited Steve this evening (12/11) with the County Fire Officer Mr Dixon. When we arrived Steve was lay on his bed watching TV. We sat down and Mr Dixon, Steve and I then spent almost an hour talking about how Steve was doing, how his road to recovery progressing and general conversation. Steve said he was pleased that the CFO had been to see him, he had enjoyed the visit and he looked forward to more visits from the CFO in the future.

Steve has had his session of physio today and has been walking again around the burns centre with the aid of his frame and the help of the physios. Steve told Mr Dixon and me that today he had been in the bath properly for the first time and it felt great to have a soak in the hot tub. He is unfortunately still experiencing pain at the top rear of his legs around the skin grafting in these areas, but the bath took some of the pressure off these areas and let him relax without too much pain.

In the next few days the dressings will be removed from his left hand so the hand specialist can examine the area. Steve is waiting to see what the hand specialist says regarding what further work may be required to this hand in the immediate future.

It was great to see Steve in a good mood and I left him to settle down for the evening.

2008-11-09T00:55:00.000Z

Steve has had a busy week with the various treatments he his having. His walking is going well and the physios are having to help him less and less each time he gets up. He is experiencing pain in the tops of the back of his legs where some of the deepest burns are located.

The Burns Centre Staff are assisting him with coping with the pain. Its unfortunate that it is difficult for Steve to get rid of the pain in this area due to its location. The rest of his body where there is skin grafting is still healing well and his legs are more uncovered now. His left hand is still bandaged but appears to be healing well. He is starting to use his hands again and can operate the remote control now for his new television.

We learned yesterday that Steve also broke his left elbow during the incident on the 23/06. Due to him being sedated for a number of weeks the break has started to heal itself. Steve will have to have surgery in the future to fix the break properly. Yet another visit to the operating theatre!!!

Overall Steve's recovery is going well. He still has his up's and down's but that is understandable with everything that he has to go through. He raises a smile and a joke on his good days and has experienced the taste of his favourite tipple Guinness recently. He has said Guinness are going to have to step up production when he gets out of hospital.

We told Steve about the charity doo in Bolton last Friday night and what a fantastic time we had. He laughed at some of the stories we told him about what had happened on the night and he wanted me to say a big thank you to everyone who had arranged the doo and all those people who had turned up on the night to raise money.

So from Fire fighter Steve Morris

THANK YOU.

2008-11-03T00:56:00.000Z

Shaz and I visited Steve this afternoon. When we arrived Steve was reading a magazines. He had it on the book stand we had got him .Reading gives Steve a welcome change from watching the TV and lets him keep up with the things that interest him most like mountain biking, fitness and other sporting activities.

Steve was looking well. He was sat up in his bed. He had both hands bandaged along with both his legs. His left arm was also bandaged. He was talkative and told us about the visit he had the day before with his Mum, Pete and his Aunty Ann and Uncle Brian.

Steve also had a visit today from his Aunty Audrey, Uncle John and his two cousins Sue and Diane. Steve really enjoyed the visit with them and it did give him a good lift to see them all and it was the first time they had visited Steve so it was good for them to see how well Steve is doing. We all spoke about family things and Steve took centre stage. Aunty Audrey told him he was a fighter and would get well sooner than later and how very proud everyone was of him. Steve spoke to them about what he had been going through since he arrived in Hospital. The family who were there really cheered him up and we all had a good laugh together.

Steve is doing well in himself. He has been up on his feet a couple of times in the last week, and is making progress with his walking. He still has to be assisted by the nurses and physios but watching him shuffle along a few days ago you can see the determination in his face to succeed. He had the op on his left hand last Wednesday. He is starting to have physio on this hand tomorrow and then I think the bandage will come off so we will see the extent of what has had to be done on this hand. We have also managed to get him out of his room and pushed him around in a wheel chair. This is also a big step for Steve and with being able to get on his feet has been a massive boost to his confidence about his recovery. It seems such a short time ago when Steve was upset and frustrated at his own perception of his slow recovery. What a difference a few days make!

Steve continues to have his bandages changed but has told us that the pain is no longer as intense and is a little more manageable now. The Burns Centre Staff continue to do a brilliant job with him and encourage him along the way.

This week will again consist of more physio and Steve will once again put in the hard work. We left him tonight to finish his mountain bike magazine and he thanked us for coming to see him.

2008-10-22T00:58:00.000+01:00

Shaz, Hayley and I went and visited Steve this evening (22/10). We took him a book holder and a number of magazines so Steve can start reading which will give him a chance to get the old grey matter working and provide him with a welcome distraction from watching the TV.

Steve was very pleased to see us and told us he was really glad that we had come to see him. His bed had been converted back into a chair and he was sat up. We noticed that his right leg just above and below the knee had no bandages on it. We saw the burn scars and the extent of the injuries he has in this area. Everything appears to be healing well but it was still a little shocking to see these injuries. His left leg is still fully bandaged and Steve told us the injuries are still not healed enough yet to be uncovered.

What we noticed tonight was Steve was in a good mood and really talkative. One reason for this we think is that he had a dressings change today whilst under the shower. Steve told us the nurses did really well and didn't hurt him when they were stripping off the covering on his burns. Usually following dressings changes he is tired and not very talkative but tonight he was different.

Overall tonight was a good visit. You could say it was one of Steve's up days. The sort of day when we see something of the Steve Morris we know. We left Steve tonight with lots of smiles between us all including him. A good visit indeed.

2008-10-21T00:58:00.000+01:00

Pauline along with her Mum and Dad visited Steve today (21/10). Steve was sat up in his bed and was in good spirits but looked tired. Steve asked Pauline to take his get well cards home and save them there so he can keep them as a reminder of how thoughtful people have been and because they were taking over his room and he had nowhere to put anything else!!!!. Pauline asked Steve if he wanted her to remove the box of minstrels and two large bars of chocolate from his bedside cabinet to which Steve replied "no its ok you can leave them where they thank you" ( or something slightly similar but a little more direct).

Pauline and Steve spoke about his continuing physio sessions and the work he is putting into them. He told Pauline that he is able to move his legs more but his right ankle is still not moving. He spoke about seeing his legs and the injuries he has there. He said that his legs looked thinner to which Pauline said that he had wanted to lose some weight off his legs so Steve being Steve had done it the hard way. Pauline's Mum and Dad had a good conversation with Steve and he always has some good banter with them. The are both from the Emerald Isle so they gave him some good humoured banter back. Pauline and her parents stayed with Steve for about 30 minutes. Steve was tired and they knew 30 minutes was long enough and at that time they should leave and let Steve get some rest.

Steve still has his up and down days as you can imagine. There are times when no words from any of us can ease his pain or improve his frame of mind. We just talk to him and try to support him in any way we can. With him being in Hospital for so long now he his frustrated at not being able to look after himself and not being able to get up and walk around. It is hard for Steve he is a proud and independent man and is more used to looking after Pauline and himself rather than having to be totally cared for.

Steve was due to have another operation on his left hand tomorrow. This has been put back until next week. There is nothing wrong. We believe it is to do with having all the surgical staff together who need to work on Steve's hand and the best time for this is next week.

Steve continues to have regular dressing changes and this he tells us is still a painful and tiring process for him. He is working to get his fingers and thumb on his right hand more flexible. As always the physio sessions continue, and Steve even though at times he's very tired tries his hardest to complete what the physios give him to do.

2008-10-15T00:59:00.000+01:00

I rang this morning (15/10) as I do most mornings to check on Steve to see how he is and if he had a good nights sleep. Steve's nurse told me Steve wanted me to come over and see him today and to bring bananas. when I arrived bananas in hand Steve was sat up with his bed being made into a chair for him. I made myself comfy and we chatted about the usual things like family and Steve road to recovery. I asked Steve what he wanted me to get for him from the money I was raising from my Skydive. He asked me if he could have some sports/gym equipment as this would help him get fitter quicker. I said no problem and I went onto tell him that everyone who had sponsored me would be helping him because the equipment would be off us all. Steve smiled at that and said thanks.

He told me about his trip to the bath. he said it was great to be in there. he also told me that his bandage change was done whilst he was in there and the pain was not as bad having them done there. He will be having another operation next week on his left hand. His left hand is still bandaged as are his legs. Steve was quietly spoken and not as upbeat as I have seen him in recent times. Some of this is to do with Steve being tired.

He told me about his friends from work coming to see him and he was glad they did. I helped him to have a couple of drinks and when his evening meal arrived I left telling him we would be seeing him Friday and that Pauline was seeing him tomorrow.

Gary - Steve's Brother in law.

2008-10-12T01:00:00.000+01:00

When we visited Steve today we found him in an upbeat mood. He was watching the X Factor so the medication must be kicking in. He was talkative and wanted to know what was going on in the outside world. We told him about various things which were coming up such as the Charity night on the 7/11 and the rowing event at the Trafford Centre. We also talked about family things and how all of us were doing. Steve although he is where he is still wants to know Pauline and all of us are ok.

Steve injuries are still mending well. His arms are not bandaged at the moment and you can see that the skin grafts are healing well. His left hand is still bandaged and his right hand is bandaged but his fingers and thumb are exposed. Steve is doing well with his right hand and is working hard on keeping the fingers and thumb on this hand moving so aiding their recovery. Both his legs are still covered with dressings and bandages and we do not know when these will start to be removed. Steve continues to work hard on his physio and the Hospital Staff are as always taking great care of him.

Steve had 3 special visitors today. They were 3 of the guy's who had been on the incident with him when he got injured. They spent time with Steve and really did a great job at cheering him up and having some good banter with him. He really benefited from them coming along to see him. Steve's family arranged for them to see Steve and I would like to say thank you to them from the family.

We are now looking to slowly introduce more of Steve's family and friends to see him over the next few months until he is ready to leave Hospital. Steve will obviously tell us who he wants to visit and when he wants visitors so we'll take his lead on that.

2008-10-09T01:01:00.000+01:00

Steve has had a busy week. His family have been with him and he has had the usual intense physio on his upper and lower limbs. He told Pauline today that he is now able to move his right leg more which has been a big boost for Steve and took away the concern he had about this leg not moving.

The operation on Wednesday this week went ahead and Steve has had work done on his left hand. The hand fingers and thumb are healing but Steve will require further surgery on his left hand in the next few weeks.

Overall Steve is in good spirits. Pauline got the usual dirty look when she ate some of his fruit and he counted how many minstrels she had eaten. So these are signs of continued recovery!!!
Steve is not up on his feet yet but we are sure that now he is getting the use of both his legs back it will not be long before he is pushing himself to start standing up and supporting his own weight. Once he achieves that I'm sure his recovery will go from strength to strength. Steve's goal is being home for Christmas and although he has his dark days the determination in the bloke has to be seen to be believed. he'll get there. He's homeward bound.

2008-10-05T01:01:00.000+01:00

Today was a very special day. On Friday, I collected along with Green Watch, Steves awards from the Tower FM Awards Ceremony. I finally began to relax on Saturday after giving a nervous speech to hundreds at the awards themselves.

On Saturday, SC Wiggans, who had took the awards home, for their own safety, dropped the awards off at my house, the same time that Gary, Steve's Brother in Law came to see them and collect them.

I was then asked if I would like to go and see Steve on Sunday and present him with the awards in person. Steve has not seen anyone from the watch since the night of the incident some 16 weeks ago. Of course I was thrilled to go and do this, as I cannot put into words the condition Steve was in on the night of the incident, the image will never leave me. This was also an important step for me.

On arrival at hospital Gary informed Steve that he had won 2 awards and kept me in the corridor. I heard Steve reply in a surprised tone "Did I". Gary then said to Steve "I bet you're dying to see them" to which Steve replied "Yeah". Gary then told Steve that someone had brought them and beckoned me in from the corridor. I wasn't sure whether Steve was shocked or surprised, but it was good to see his face again. He genuinely looked surprised and happy
I must admit I was a little apprehensive on seeing Steve as I had no idea what to expect. My first impression was that Steve looked far better than I imagined despite the fact that he is still poorly and has received 50% burns, he looked really good.

The family then left me with Steve for a good 35 mins were we talked about all sorts of things and he became more and more positive as I confirmed more and more of what had gone on. I chatted to him about the fact I had to give a speech to hundreds of people and how it was a privilege and an honour to collect the Tower FM Awards on his behalf. He thought it was quite funny that I had to do the speech.

We obviously spoke about the incident. Steve has not seen anyone who was with him on the night, since the 23rd June, so it was obvious he was going to ask me questions relating to the night. Any questions he had, I answered. He also spoke about his injuries and asked how the rest of the guys on the watch were doing, so i brought him up to date on all what had been going on. I talked to him about all the charity nights that had been going on, and how so many people are constantly asking about him. He genuinely has no idea of the admiration that people have for him, not only in GMC, but throughout the fire service worldwide and within local communities. We also spoke about his upcoming marriage and I told him it was about time he popped the question. He agreed saying that he had now realised that life is too short and how things could have been so very different.

I came away from Steve feeling very positive. He is a strong lad who I know will get through this despite the road ahead. He is still obviously poorly and is continuing to progress each and every day showing great courage and determination to leave hospital as quickly as he can.
On a final note, despite today having an emotional side to it, Steve has not lost his sense of humour, he still continues to have a go at us, cracking a few jokes along the way. I now hope that this first visit will lead to many more, not only from myself, but the many people who wish to meet Steve. Steve himself along with the family and Hospital staff will obviously decide in the not too distant future about any future visits.

Carl Haslam - Green Watch Bolton Central

2008-10-03T01:04:00.001+01:00

Over the last few days Steve has been not at his best. He has been down when Pauline and his Mum visited him. Steve was upset at having to undergo painful dressing changes and continuing physio. I think that at that point it was just to much for him because he was in pain and feeling very tired. Pauline and his Mum were supportive and gave him encouragement to keep soldiering on but it must be difficult for the man. The Hospital Staff as always are doing their best and are giving Steve lots of care and attention.

I went to see Steve today. When I arrived Steve was having treatment on his right hand. Following this treatment I had a good chat with Steve. He told me that he was soon due to have surgery on his left hand after it had come out of the dressing currently on it. He said he was ok and felt alright, but I have seen him in a more positive frame of mind in recent times. I told Steve that he had been nominated for the Tower FM Radio awards held in Bolton and that his friends from Green watch Bolton and Farnworth fire stations were attending the evening event. I told Steve that if he won the category of Local Hero they were going to accept the award on his behalf. Steve was very pleased with all that, and it really cheered him up. He said to me people haven't forgot me have they. I said who could forget Steve Morris and win or not he was a real hero to all his family.

I explained more to him about the awards and that Carl his good friend from work had been chosen to say a few words if Steve did win. He was a little taken aback by the size and prestigious nature of the event and that he had been nominated at all. I went on to tell him I had been at Bolton Fire Station last night and had been treated to a curry made by Carl. I said I had told the watch to put the cost on his bill! The reaction from Steve cannot be printed here, but it was along the lines of him saying I was cheeky and no way was he paying for my meal.

Steve's injuries are healing well at the moment. The fingers and thumb on his right hand all appear to be healing. He is having some difficulty with movement in his right ankle which is causing him some concerns. I told him that his body will heal but it will take time. I sometimes feel that my words sound a little hollow, but I hope that Steve does take some of what we all tell him on board.

I left Steve as he was doing exercises with his 3 remaining right hand fingers and thumb. He wants to get them moving as quickly as possible. I told him we would see him this weekend.
Has I am writing this blog the Tower FM Radio awards are going on. We are all waiting to hear from Carl to see if Big Biff has won his category. We know that there will be many worthy people up for nomination and Steve would be in good company if he could of made it there. I know Steve is a little uncomfortable being called a hero. I know Steve would say that he was no hero but that he worked in a Fire Service that was full of hero. That's the type of man he his. Take care.

2008-10-03T01:03:00.001+01:00

Carl has just informed me that he has just had to go up and give the speech of his life in front of a 500 strong audience. Our Steve has not only won the local hero award he has also won the Hero's hero award. The family are so very proud that Steve has gained such recognition for his efforts on the night of the 23 June and his subsequent drive towards his recovery. We are also very proud of both his watch and Green Watch at Farnworth Fire Station and it is recognition for them as well from the community they serve.

Carl told me that Steve received a standing ovation from the whole audience tonight when his name was read out. The family are so thankful to everyone who voted for Steve. This will be such a massive boost for him. Steve family would like to say a very special heart felt thanks to Val Salmon from the Brigades emergency control staff. Val nominated Steve for the awards evening and we are very glad she did.

Thanks Val.

2008-09-28T01:06:00.000+01:00

We saw Steve this afternoon. When we arrived he was lay on his bed watching his TV. The nursing staff have cut his hair and given him a shave and he looked well. Steve showed us his right hand which is now uncovered. You can see now that the fingers and thumb have been shortened and the little finger is missing.

The surgeons have done a very good job of only taking off what was required to be removed and have made an extremely neat job of the finger and thumb ends. Steve is obviously upset that he has had to have this work done but is pleased with how his right hand is looking.

His legs are currently still bandaged but this bandaging is getting less each time we go. Steve told us he has been in chair a couple of times this week but after a short while it does cause him pain in his buttocks.

Overall he was in a positive mood and asked us about family matters and how things were going outside. His Mum yesterday told Steve how proud we all were of him and how proud she was of what he had achieved in his life up to now and what he had done on the night of the 23rd June. We told Steve the same and we also told him he should be very proud of himself. He has come back to us with such determination and will to get better. We explained to him that everyone wants him up and about and eventually home. He told us that it wouldn't be long to that happening.

We stayed with him for 45 minutes. Then we left to let him rest. Another week approaches and Steve will be working hard once again along with the hospital staff to continue his recovery. I'll keep you all posted.

2008-09-26T01:06:00.000+01:00

Steve has been seen by his family this week. He is doing well and over the last couple of days has been in good spirit. He has been talking about his future plans with us all especially Pauline and is really positive which has lifted our spirits considering how he felt about things a number of days ago. He is getting stronger and is moving his arms and legs more now.

The nurses are working hard to get him out of his bed and into a chair. This we have been told will help relieve pressure on him in certain areas of his body due to him being in a different body position. He'll get there because he really wants to be up now. Steve is laying down certain challenges for himself to accomplish in the mid to long term future. This mainly involves his fitness and well being. He's told me I'm being roped in as well so I'm out jogging in preparation. Steve is a very fit lad and I'm sure it won't be long before he's pounding the tarmac again with me gasping for breath somewhere behind him. It's great that he's setting himself challenges and goals to achieve it show's his determination to get better.

The bandages are still off his arms and his right hand is now uncovered. All areas are healing. The graft on Steve's right hand and other areas of this hand which were seriously burned are healing ok but as with anything to do with severe burn injuries the healing process will take time.
We will be seeing Steve again hopefully on Friday evening. The family would like to thank everyone for the donations made and the wonderful comments on the just giving site which is attached to the http://www.fireservice.co.uk/steve/ website set up by Steve's good friend Carl.

2008-09-21T01:07:00.000+01:00

We have been to see Steve today (21/9/08). He has had his left hand removed from the groin flap. The op went well by all accounts. His left hand is now heavily bandaged and his right hand is in a vacuum therapy glove. Steve's arms are uncovered and they are healing well as are his ears and the sides of his head. Steve's legs are still bandaged so the burn injuries in these areas are covered up. Steve has said that the grafts on the back of his legs are healing ok. Steve is still feeling pain at differing levels every day depending on what he is having done, but he is determined to get better so is trying to manage the pain the best he can. Steve is still not fully sat up in bed. He is slowly getting stronger and hopefully in the next few weeks will improve to where he is sitting up and perhaps becoming a little more mobile.

Considering what Steve is going through he was in good spirits and his niece fed him the usual minstrels. Steve now has to wait for a few weeks while his left hand has healed to a point where the surgical team can carry on with the next stages of their work on both his hands.
He appears to have put some weight back on and is eating well. We took him some bananas in today as this is his latest food craze.

We left Steve when Pauline and her Mum arrived. He waved us off with a smile on his face and thanked us for coming.

Pauline told us later that she had spoken to Steve about the Charity function last Thursday and how much had been raised. Steve was amazed at the amount of money that people had given and wanted us to tell A Watch in Control thank you for all their hard work and to say thanks to everyone who had supported the night. He said he wished he could of been there with us all.

2008-09-19T01:08:00.000+01:00

Steve has been visited by his sister and eldest niece. His sister told Steve he was looking good. Steve spoke to them about the surgery he was going to have and that he was a little anxious. They reassured him that everything was going to be alright and it would not be long before he was drinking coffee with us in the Hospital cafe. Steve said that would be great but who was buying the coffee's, making the excuse that he couldn't carry his wallet in his current condition!
His sister and niece saw his uncovered left arm and it looked like it was healing well. Steve wants to be out of his bed now and is feeling a little down about being unable to be more mobile. His sister spoke to Steve about how well he is doing and that he will be more mobile in the near future.

The operation is still going ahead on Friday to remove his left hand from the groin pocket.
Steve will be visited by his mum and her partner on Saturday. We will visit him on Sunday if Steve is ok for visitors.

2008-09-18T01:08:00.000+01:00

Steve was visited by Pauline and me today. When I first walked into his room I didn't know who was in more pain Steve or me because its my birthday and him and Pauline sang happy birthday to me. He had also got me a chocolate muffin with a candle stuck in it, some balloons a card and a nice pressy( What a Guy). Seeing him smiling and singing there lay in his bed knowing that every day he is in pain was inwardly a touching moment. I'd never tell Steve that because the amount of stick he would give me would be huge.

Steve spoke to both of us about the next op he has to have this Friday to remove his left hand from the pocket it currently sits in. Steve is naturally worried about what is to come but Pauline along with a little input from me told Steve he is doing a fantastic job on his recovery and having this op done is another step nearer going home to Pauline. Pauline reassured Steve that everything is going to be ok for him and seeing them both there talking about future plans was a real lift for me.

Steve's physio is going well. The physio team are doing a marvellous job with him and he now starting to move his arms and legs a little more. He is still bandaged top and bottom but he is gaining strength in these areas.

So the next big day for Steve is Friday 19th/9. As always I will phone the hospital to get an update of how Steve has gone on with the op and ask when we can visit him next. I'll then update you all on how Steve is.

Thanks to everyone for reading these updates and for all the nice and kind comments I have received regarding what I write.

Gary Dewar

2008-09-12T01:09:00.000+01:00

Steve is having to do a lot of work on his recovery at the moment and is being treated by a number of different medical specialists. With all that is going on Steve is very tired and needs to rest frequently. With this in mind and following advice from the Burns Centre Steve's immediate family are reducing the number of visits and the amount of time we spend with Steve during these visits.

Steve continues to recover and as always the medical professionals who are working with Steve are assisting him with this recovery. As a family we do not want to cause Steve any extra stress or prevent him from getting his rest due to us being with him at times when he is tired and feeling weak so we have altered our visiting times accordingly.

As he gets stronger he will be able to recover quicker from the treatments he his having and at a time when he is ready we will visit him more often. We only want what is best for Steve as you can imagine, and at this time this is the best way we can help Steve get better and assist the medical staff in their work.

2008-09-10T01:10:00.000+01:00

I went to see Steve yesterday evening and spent some time with him. It was just me with him so it was good to have some quality one on one time. We talked about how well he was doing and I told him that he must keep positive and not think about tomorrow but where he will be and how much better he will be 6 months and more in the future. Steve told me he was definitely going to give his running machine some stick when he gets out of hospital.

Steve told me he had seen his right hand and now knew the extent of the damage. We spoke of the concerns he has regarding what the future holds for him and we had a good heart to heart about the subject.. hopefully I have convinced him he is going to lead a normal happy life.
We went onto speak about family things and we had a laugh together. Steve spoke about the fire service and what roles he could do once he got back to work. He's still on his chocolate minstrels diet and I had to administer half a packet to him while I was there without being allowed to have one myself!!

Before I left Steve at the end of visiting time I told him to keep doing what he's doing so well with at the moment and that is being positive about his own recovery. Its not an easy task for Steve with what he is going through but he will succeed.

Steve is now undergoing regular physio sessions and the work the surgical team have carried out is being constantly monitored to ensure everything is ok.

2008-09-08T01:10:00.000+01:00

Steve is ok. We visited him on Saturday and Pauline saw him on Sunday. On Saturday he was a little tired but we had a good visit with him. His youngest niece showed him the diary she has been doing for him whilst he is in hospital. Steve laughed at the comments that his watch at Bolton Fire Station had put in and the comments written on beer mats from Steve's friends outside of the Fire Service.

On Sunday Pauline spent time with Steve but Steve was very tired and Pauline left him to get some rest. Pauline informed us that Steve will again this coming week be having more intense physio.

Steve continues to recover but is still quite ill and becomes tired very quickly due to the hard work he is putting into getting well. Many People have asked about visiting Steve. Pauline and the nursing staff have asked Steve if he wants more visitors. Steve really appreciates everyone's concerns for him at this moment but has asked that while he is at this stage of his recovery that no one other than immediate family visit him. We as his family obviously support him with this request and ask you to bear with Steve. I will let you know when Steve is ready to have visitors. He will want to see everyone but he wants you to visit him when he feels fitter and more better in himself.

2008-09-05T01:11:00.000+01:00

Steve is doing well. He is now having some intense physio each day and is coping with it very well. He has a commitment to getting better which keeps him positive. The hospital staff who are looking after Steve are doing a fantastic job. They are an inspiration to us watching how they care for Steve and the other patients in the burns centre. Steve is very fortunate with the fact that he is in such a world class burns centre given the injuries he has sustained, and he is under the care of such a brilliant Consultant and Registrar.

Steve is eating and sleeping better now and is getting stronger all the time, but has not yet been able to get out of his hospital bed. Pauline and his Mum have read newspaper articles to him about his story so far, and Pauline has taken copies from the just giving site and about what I write on this page. Pauline told me Steve was very grateful for the comments and donations on the just giving site and that he was glad that I had been keeping people informed about his progress.

We are seeing the big man again this afternoon. I'll keep you posted on his progress.

2008-09-02T01:11:00.000+01:00

We saw Steve yesterday with Pauline. Steve had spent the day having physio and in the afternoon he had the surgery checked on his left and right hands. This involved Steve having to have his bandages removed on these areas which caused him some discomfort and by the evening he was tired and not very chatty.

The surgery that has been carried out on Steve regarding both his hands is healing ok. He still has the groin flap where is left hand is situated checked by the nursing staff every hour. At this time the area looks healthy and has a good blood supply. Steve's grafts on both his legs, base of his backside and his arms are still healing well. His upper right arm is now uncovered with only large plasters covering the full thickness burn areas. Steve's temperature is up at the moment its not a serious rise but the nursing staff are looking into why this has occurred but its probably due to an infection.

Steve has had his food tube removed and is on a total solid food diet with snacks between meals of minstrels and revels! This is required to help Steve build up the calorie count.
Steve's fingers and thumbs have all been trimmed down a minimum of an inch on both hands with a number of his fingers being trimmed down further due to the damage. Steve does know the extent of the damage to his body especially regarding his fingers. He has not spoken to much about his injuries to the family yet.

Steve is remaining positive. He has told me that he is looking to the future and wants to get well. He has asked Pauline to marry him and of course Pauline said yes to the proposal. Steve has inspired us all with his positive attitude to all what has happened and is happening to him. He has a good view of the future and he knows he has a hill to climb but is on the path to recovery.
Steve will be returning to the operating theatre this Wednesday for his 14th operation. He has to have a full bandage change and has to be put under anaesthetic as the pain would be to much for him to bear.

2008-08-30T01:12:00.000+01:00

Sharon Steve's sister and I visited Steve this afternoon. When we got to the hospital Steve was sleeping. He must have know we were there because shortly after we arrived he woke up. Steve was much more talkative than the last few days and appeared to be stronger in himself.

His left arm is in a wrap around sling which holds his arm close to his body and makes it virtually impossible to move. Whilst we were there the left hand in the groin flap was checked by the nurse and it was found to be healthy and the blood supply to it was good. His right hand is bandaged but his arm is now uncovered revealing the extent of his injuries and the grafted areas. Both of his legs are still bandaged but these bandages are slowly being reduced.

We left Steve when his evening meal arrived. He is starting to once again eat more of his meals and has been told by his dietician to snack as much as he wants between meals. This is to build up his calorie intake which help build his strength up.

Steve has received many cards wishing him a speedy recovery. The latest was delivered today from White Watch Moss side. I read the card out to Steve and he thought it was great and wanted me to say thanks to the Whites at Moss and to everyone else who had gone out of their way to choose a card and send it to him.

2008-08-29T01:13:00.000+01:00

We have only spent a short time each day with Steve since his operation on both hands last Wednesday. Steve has been very tired and is having to come to terms with his left hand and arm being secured in the groin flap. According to the Burns Centre nurses Steve is doing well since the surgery with coping with the restricted movement he now has on his left side. He is experiencing some pain but this is being managed by the nursing team. Steve has spoken little since Wednesday but we cannot expect anything more given what Steve has had to go through this week.

Steve's right hand will be examined over the next 3 weeks. If the hand is healing properly then this may prevent the hand from having to go in its own groin flap.
Steve is still being closely monitored by the nursing staff now on an hourly basis. The areas where the surgery was carried out appears to be healthy at this time and Steve is having some solid foods again.

Overall Steve's recovery is continuing. He is currently climbing yet another hill to get over what has happened this week. He'll get to the top and then he'll be on the down hill slope to feeling much better.

2008-08-27T01:13:00.000+01:00

Steve is currently recovering from surgery to both his hands today. Steve went in for the surgery at 13:30 and came out of surgery at around 18:00. I was with Steve for an hour before he went into the operating theatre and I accompanied him to the theatre which is located in the Burns Centre. Prior to the operation going ahead Steve was in a positive frame of mind and we spoke about what was happening in the outside world and usual family stuff.

Whilst in the operating theatre Steve went through complex surgery which involved the surgical Team placing his left hand into what is called a groin flap. This required the left hand being placed under a flap of skin which was lifted and separated from the skin tissue below. The hand is attached with a blood supply from the within the flap to maintain a healthy and constant supply of blood to it.It is like Steve has had his hand placed in a pocket. The hand has been secured within this pocket and will have to remain in this pocket for approximately 3 weeks. This may initially cause Steve some discomfort has he has to come to terms with the fact that he will not be able to move his left arm for the 3 weeks. After 3 weeks the flap will be divided and the left hand will be lifted out.

Steve's right hand has had a graft of skin placed around it and attached to it, this area of new skin has also been attached to a healthy blood supply to enable it to develop into healthy skin around the damaged area.

Due to the complexity of the operation involving the groin flap and the area being very fragile Steve is being monitored by the nursing staff every 30 minutes over night. This is to keep a check on Steve and also to ensure that the groin flap is staying healthy and no complications are developing.

During the operation Steve has had further surgery on his fingers and thumbs resulting in the shortening of these areas.

The surgery went well for Steve and he himself did very well whilst in there. Today was his 13th operation and when I spoke to the nursing staff this evening he was just coming around from the anaesthetic but was recovering ok.

2008-08-26T01:14:00.000+01:00

Steve is now back lying on his back. His grafts are still healing well and he his recovery is going in the right direction. He is eating a lot more solid food and should be off the liquid food supply within the next few days.

Steve has been taken through what will need to be done regarding surgery on his fingers and thumbs by his Consultant and the hand specialist. The surgery is scheduled to go ahead tomorrow afternoon (27/8). This as you can imagine will be difficult for Steve but we have reassured him and Steve is remaining in a positive mood. This to me speaks volumes for the type of man Steve is. I will be with him prior to him going into surgery so that someone is there at his side to support him.

As I said earlier Steve is recovering well. Once he has had the surgery on his hands he will continue to heal and get stronger. I will update you over the next two days on how Steve is and how the surgery went.

2008-08-23T01:14:00.000+01:00

We have visited with Steve today and I can report to you that we found him more awake and talkative. Sharon His sister ( my wife) told me its the best she has seen Steve since that terrible night in June. His mum and Sharon went in to see Steve first. They told him about the family open day at Bolton Fire Station and of the get well wishes that everyone is sending him. They told him how supportive the Brigade and firefighters charity have been to us as a family. Sharon told me that Steve got somewhat emotional and said he knew the fire service would look after us and he was surprised by everything that was going on. The big thing for us is that he was taking all this information in and retaining it. He was asking questions and smiling like the girls have not seen him smile in such a long time.

Sharon and her mum came out in a real happy mood from seeing Steve, and it was a big lift for me to see them like that. We have had so many tears and to see smiles was great.
Next in was Louise, Steve's youngest niece and me. Steve and I spoke about the Olympics especially the mountain biking and Steve told me about the number of Gold's we had won overall and the rules regarding the mountain biking event! to me this was such an obvious sign that Steve was getting back towards his old self. Louise and Steve had a couple of laughs at my expense. Steve told Louise that I only had the number of friends I have now because everyone in Manchester fire now knows that I am his brother in law!!!! and it took him going into hospital to get me more than two texts messages a month on my phone ( typical Morris humour, but it was great seeing Steve laugh}. Steve also asked Louise to bring in the diary she is creating for him as he wants to see the pictures from the family open day and the filming his good friend Carl did of the day. We told him about Amir Khan, Suranne Jones and Dave Spikey coming along to support the day. He thought that was brilliant, and he told Louise he would like to meet Amir Khan because Steve has a real keen interest in boxing. He asked Louise what she thought of the celebs and Louise told him they were all really great. Louise told him that she said to Amir that he was wearing a very nice watch and Steve smiled at that comment. We left Steve resting as he had started to become tired.

Steve is currently lying on his side as the grafts on his upper rear legs are still healing. He still has bandages on his arms, hands and legs. His ears are uncovered and are healing well. He is now eating more solid food on a regular basis and is able to have physio most days. He is still on medication to help him to handle his pain and to ease the tension he sometimes feels. The nursing staff have said he has been doing very well since last Wednesdays full dressings change. This week coming up will probably see Steve having more surgery on his hands. We have to wait and see what the surgical team and the hand specialist have decided to do and what day they will be carrying out the surgery. As a family we will be with Steve every step of the way and we know all of you will be thinking of Steve this week.

As always I'll keep you informed.

2008-08-21T01:15:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I was contacted by the Burns Team and asked to go into the burns centre. Steve was to have a full dressings change and it was to be the first without any anaesthetic. The Registrar thought it would be wise to have me there to support Steve through the procedure as there was a possibility that Steve would see the extent of his injuries for the first time.

I arrived at 11:45 and helped Steve to have his lunch of meat gravy, veg and mashed potatoes, following that he was allowed a rest before the dressing change began. He was administered pain killers orally and the senior nurse in charge gave me my instructions with what they wanted me to do.

The Burns Team placed a screen in front of Steve to shield his view from what they were doing and once Steve was ready they began to remove the dressings he had on his legs and buttocks. the nurses spoke to Steve all the way through the dressing change and also made sure I was ok. Steve was very brave given the circumstances and I kept him occupied by encouraging him and talking to him throughout.

Once his legs and buttocks had been redressed the Burns Team gave Steve a rest before commencing to do the dressings on his arms and hands. Further pain killers were administered to Steve prior to the work being carried out on him. Once Steve was ready with the screen in place and we were all in position the nurses got to work. All the dressings were removed slowly and gently and the damaged areas were examined and treated. Again the nurses spoke to Steve and me throughout the procedure and I gave encouragement to Steve to help him through the pain of what was going on. Once the nurses were happy with everything redressed Steve and made him comfortable and he had a rest and a small amount of food and drink.

The nurses were fantastic with Steve and were gentle and dedicated in the work they were doing. I cannot praise them highly enough.

What can I say about Steve Morris. Words do not really do justice for what I had to see Steve go through yesterday. A very small part of me wants to get hold of those that put Steve in Hospital and make them stand there and watch and listen to Steve having to go through what he went through, but a large part of me knows that those people do not deserve to be in the presence of such brave Lad like him.

I would like to finish this update not in a solemn tone but in thanking everyone for visiting the Just Giving site and making a donation to the fire fighters charity of which our Steve will benefit. The donations you make no matter how small or large are so very gratefully appreciated. God bless each and every one of you.

2008-08-19T01:18:00.000+01:00

Steve was visited today by his mum. Steve's mum has told us that he was awake and talking to her. When she walked into his room Steve smiled and his mum said it was lovely to see him smile so he smiled again and said that was for her. He told his mum he was glad she had come to see him. He asked his mum for custards tarts as he was hungry. The nursing staff informed Steve's mum that he was having more solid food and he had been eating meatballs for breakfast!! so tomorrow its custard tarts for lunch!!!!

Steve is lay more on his side now to try and make things more comfortable for him which appears to be working. The tube into his throat has been removed so he is breathing completely for himself now. Steve had his 12th visit to theatre yesterday. Whilst there he had a complete dressings change and his grafts were checked. All looks ok with the registrar telling us that the healing process was very encouraging.

The nursing Staff have placed a television in Steve's room to help stimulate his senses and give him some background noise. Steve told his mum that he had been watching the Olympics which he had enjoyed. This is all very encouraging for us a family and demonstrates Steve's continuing recovery.

Steve's mum left him with Steve telling her he needed custard tarts. So it was trip to a well known supermarket to purchase those all important tarts.

2008-08-18T01:19:00.000+01:00

We are visiting Steve again later today. He has had not too bad of a weekend. He has been restless but that is understandable due to position he is currently lying in which is on his front with his arms raised out in front of him. The areas of burns are still bandaged as you would expect, but the skin grafts he has had done recently on the back of his legs seem to be healing well at this stage. Steve was in a certain amount of pain immediately following this grafting and so has been placed on some very strong medication to ease the pain and ease the discomfort he is feeling having to lie on his front. He has to remain in this position for approx five days. Currently due to the medication Steve is not very lucid and is slipping in and out of consciousness. He has spoken to his partner Pauline and his Mum Joan this weekend but only a few words.

It has been reported in the media that Steve is back on his feet. We really wish that was the case. Unfortunately this information is not correct. We think somewhere along the line a message has been given out and not fully understood. Its no one's fault, we know everyone out there wants Steve to be well and back on his feet and one day he will. I've given Steve a direct order to get well and at the time he smiled and said "ok Boss". So bear with him. He's a tough guy and he will be walking out of that hospital in the future.

2008-08-15T01:19:00.000+01:00

Steve has had further skin grafts today at the top rear of both legs. When we saw him this afternoon he was lay on his front a position he has to be in for 48 hours. Following which if his grafts are healing well he will be placed back on his back. Steve only spoke briefly today due to him having pain relieving medication administered to him. He was drowsy and we left him to get some well earned rest following yet another trip to theatre.

2008-08-14T01:19:00.000+01:00

Pauline, Steve's partner, spent time with Steve this afternoon. Steve was conscious but weak. Pauline has been informed by the Burns Team that Steve is going into the operating theatre tomorrow to have further skin grafting to the rear of both is legs and the base of his buttocks. This grafting is required to build on the work already carried out in these areas by the Burns Team. Following this surgical work Steve will be lay on his front once again but hopefully only for a short period of time as it is uncomfortable for him to be lay in this position.

He is still being fed via a tube through his nose and into his stomach although he is now also being fed small amounts of semi solid foods. Once he is stronger and more able to digest solid foods his food intake via mouth will be increased.

Steve due to having his various medications reduced is experiencing withdrawal symptoms which cause him to become restless and agitated. This is part of the process of recovery but it is still difficult to deal with for the family seeing and listening to Steve. We can only offer words of support for Steve and to be with him as much as he wants us to.
Pauline told Steve today about the family visiting Bolton Wanderers football club along with Firefighters from Green Watch Bolton and Farnworth, and meeting the first team players. He smiled and said "it's alright for some".

I'd like to finish this update with information given to me by Pauline tonight. Whilst Pauline was visiting Steve today a nurse asked Pauline to come out of Steve's room. Pauline went into the corridor and the nurse introduced her to an elderly lady and an elderly man. The couple spoke to Pauline about their son who had been rescued a while ago from a fire by Manchester firefighters but had suffered severe burns like Steve. The couple went on to say how brave they thought Steve and all the other firefighters were. They told Pauline their son was much better and the burns centre nursing staff were the best in the world. The couple said it was the actions of the firefighters on the night that saved their sons life and that they were sorry but they could not make the family day this Saturday. Having said that they handed Pauline an envelope saying they wanted to make a contribution towards the fire fighters fund. They then left. Pauline opened the envelope in Steve's room with Steve to find it contained £100 and a letter of sympathy and encouragement for Steve and his family. Pauline told me she was taken aback by the amount and felt very humbled by the contents of the letter.

2008-08-12T01:20:00.000+01:00

We saw Steve this afternoon. He still has his own room but is no longer on individual monitoring by the nursing staff. Today Steve has had two sessions of physio using the specialist equipment within the burns centre. The session involves Steve's joints and muscle groups being put through their paces by the physio staff who push and motivate Steve to complete various exercises.
Another mile stone reached today by Steve is he had his first taste of proper food for several weeks. He was fed a small portion of mashed potatoes and a drink of Vimto. That again shows is recovery is continuing and his commitment to his own recovery because I know he does not like mashed potatoes and would not usually go near them!

We left him as he was drifting into sleep. He was tired from the physical activity he had been through with the physio.

Steve now is off any assisted breathing equipment. He is being administered a mild antibiotic to combat infections. In the near future he will be placed on medication to assist further with his recovery. This medication will help him to relax and ease any tension he may be feeling.
Tomorrow he will be having his dressings changed and his skin grafts checked.

2008-08-11T01:21:00.000+01:00

Steve has been in to theatre today to have his hands examined and to have his dressings changed along with the vacuum therapy gloves. Unfortunately Steve will in the near future lose all his fingers and both thumbs in varying places. This is due to the amount of damaged caused to both his hands by the fire on the night of the incident. Steve does not yet know the full extent of his injuries but he is being spoken to by the medical staff regarding this issue and they will tell him in a sensitive way.

His recovery overall is going well. All his skin grafts are healing well including his ears. He has been moved from the ICU today following his surgery to a room which is still within the burns centre but is classed as a less critical area. He was tired when we saw him and so we only spent a short while at his bedside. He was being administered oxygen but this was only to assist him post surgery.

We spent some time with the psychologist today. This was to talk through how we as family will be able to assist Steve along his road to recovery given the injuries he has sustained. We found this very beneficial and it has helped us to focus on what is important and how to help Steve once he knows the extent of his injuries.

2008-08-08T01:21:00.000+01:00

Steve's recovery is continuing to go well. As a family we spent about 2 hours with him today. He is more alert and able to communicate although he still gets tired and has to rest between talking and listening. I told Steve about the events which are occurring in the near future like the visit by the family to BWFC, the Station Open Day, the fund raiser at the Jolly Carter Pub in Little Lever and the Fund raiser being organised by A Watch in Control. He was smiling all the time and I think he was amazed by the amount of support he and the fire fighters at Bolton Central are getting from everyone both inside and outside of the Fire Service.

He asked about the guys off his watch and how they were all doing. I told him about the web page Carl had set up for him due to the interest people were showing in his progress. At this time Steve became tired so we did the talking. I told him about how the family was doing and all the support we are getting and giving to each other. Steve then told me he would get better and come home. We left him resting in his room but told him we would be returning to see him tomorrow.

Steve's skin grafts are all healing well including the more recent ones he has had on the front of his thighs. He is now breathing for himself and his temp is around 37/38. He is currently on a mild antibiotic to combat any further infections. His ears are healing well but are still bandaged to protect them from being irritated by his pillow.

His hands are still in the vacuum therapy gloves to assist in tissue growth in his hands. Both his hands especially his fingers will have to have extensive surgery. He has unfortunately lost both his little fingers and part of the palm of his right hand. The Medical Team will be examining all his fingers and both his thumbs to determine what needs to be done in these areas in the near future.

When Steve is able to understand and remember what he is being told the psychology team along with the medical staff will gently and sensitively tell him what has happened to him and the extent of his injuries. They will also discuss with him the way forward for his recovery to continue.

The family are really pleased with his overall progress. Steve is healing well and is now able to see and speak to us more when we are with him. Steve is still very poorly but we know he has the will and the fight to recover.

2008-08-07T01:22:00.000+01:00

Steve is responding to his treatment. He is now more conscious of his surroundings and is starting to recognise the people who are visiting him. He is experiencing certain difficulties whilst he is coming off his medication which we have been made aware of.
Steve is still very poorly but is healing quickly which is a good sign for his overall recovery. A further update will follow within the next 24 hours.

2008-07-29T01:43:00.000+01:00

Steve has had a restful night and a comfortable day. His temp has now settled at around 37:5 degrees. When we saw him he was sleeping peacefully. Steve is still on the ventilator but he is receiving low pressure oxygen and is virtually breathing for himself. We did not disturb him so only stayed with him today for a short time.

Steve is going back into Theatre tomorrow for work on both hands so we expect him to be a little disturbed in himself on Thursday and Friday. Its the ups and downs that we have been warned about from the beginning by the Nursing Staff. We don't get used to it but we know that this is how Steve's recovery is going to be.

2008-07-28T01:44:00.000+01:00

Steve has recently had his 5th visit to theatre. During this visit the consultant removed the vacuum therapy gloves and examined Steves hands. Work was carried out on the right hand little finger and the palm behind this finger. The vacuum therapy appears to be working due to the areas of the hands where the tissue is still health showing signs of improvement and actual growth. Unfortunately this improvement does not extend all the way down Steve's fingers or thumbs. This improvement is more prominent in the right hand as opposed to the left hand. Steve's next visit to theatre is scheduled for Wednesday 30/7.

The skin grafts on his legs and arms are coming on really well and the medical team are very pleased with this progress in this area. The grafts are healing quicker than expected which is fantastic news. Steve's ears are also healing well. He has a large bandage on his head at the moment to hold the dressings in place.

Steve is still sedated but his temperature has come down to near normal and his breathing is getting better although he his still on the ventilator for support.

The family are a really pleased with Steve's progress up to now. We are waiting for further info on Steve's hands this coming week. The Consultant has prepared us for the surgical work which may have to carry out to both hands but I will update you when we have been given definite information.

2008-07-23T01:45:00.000+01:00

Steve has had a restful weekend. He has had a blood transfusion to prepare him for his time in theatre on Monday afternoon. He was a little more aware on Sunday of us being there with him and was trying to speak. When we left him he had fallen to sleep and was peaceful.

The medical team carried out work on both Steve's hands on Monday (21/7/08). Steve has extensive burn damage to both his hands which will require a lot of work to be undertaken by his consultant. Whilst in theatre Steve's hands were placed in vacuum gloves. These gloves are used to help prevent serious infection and to promote tissue growth in the more seriously damaged areas. The Consultant and his registrar are doing their very best to assist Steve's hands to heal as much as possible. We have been informed that due to the burns on Steve's hands they may have to deal with areas which are to badly damaged and will not heal.
The skin grafts on Steve's legs are doing well and appear to be healthy as they are on his arms. This is a good sign. Steve's ears and the burns to the sides of his head are all healing and the burns to the top of his arms are still being left to heal on their own which again is all positive for Steve.

Steve following his time in theatre has had to be placed back on the ventilator. This is to assist him to breathe easier following the hard work he had to put in whilst being operated on.