After months spent trapped in his hospital bed, dad-of-three Andy Blagden is giving something back to the critical care team at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.
Brave Andy underwent a 16-hour operation to remove a growth on his spine – but despite the surgery being a success, complications arose which left him fighting for his life.
In September last year, he contracted pneumonia and then sepsis. Andy's kidneys failed, he was put on constant dialysis for a month and required a blood transfusion.
Andy, who lives in Tuffley, came through all this but he now lives with the consequences. He is unable to breathe without support and has a tracheostomy with 24-hour ventilation, he is also unable to speak and he is unable to move himself.
It has been a difficult time for his family, his wife Charlotte and their three children, Lauren, 13, Katie, 10 and Nathan, three.
They have been fundraising this year with their friends from the Christian City Church in Cheltenham to raise £50,000 to modify their home and make it easier for him to be cared for there.
Charlotte said: "A friend who turned 70 this year decided to celebrate by doing a 70km bike ride through Somerset to raise funds for Andy.
"As yet we don't know what we will need to put all the funds raised towards but it would be something like the house adaptation or an electric wheelchair that allows him to move himself where and when he wants too."
But getting Andy home was not an overnight achievement.
Nurses, doctors and physios at the critical care unit at GRH spent months caring for Andy to give him the best possible experience his condition allowed.
The family have decided to thank them for their efforts by nominating the 70-strong team for a Patient's Choice Award, run by the hospitals trust. The winners will be announced in November.
Charlotte added: "Since being here we have got to know all the staff members and they have been wonderful in their care and attention, not only to my husband but to myself and our three young children.
"They have visited their dad every weekend and have always been made welcome and have been encouraged to be kids on the ward.
"We have seen Christmas here as well as five birthdays. Each time we have been able to celebrate as well as possible with friends down in the chapel or outside the ward.
"The staff team have all made the effort to accommodate my wishes and wants.
"My husband has been outside as much as has been possible. This isn't easy as he requires two staff to go with him.
"All the staff have gone that extra mile to look after him and us and walk us through the darkest time of our lives. They have taken on the challenge of a rehab patient in a setting not conducive to this and my husband has thrived.
"I cannot thank them all enough for seeing us through tears of despair through to tears of joy. They have been amazing."
The shortlist for the Patient Choice Award 2014 are Dr Jonathan Francis, oncology staff on Rendcomb Ward, Sister Gemma Barnes on ward 2b, orthopaedic consultant surgeon Chris Curwen, pecialist nurse Lucinda Poulton, health care assistant Kerry Hurdle and the critical care unit at GRH.
A team and individual winner will be announced on the night of the awards, November 13.
Debbie Elliott, a senior sister in the critical care unit, said: "Andy is young to be in hospital for that length of time so it was very difficult for him and his family.
"He spent Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter and two birthdays in hospital, so it was important for us to make his time in hospital as normal as possible.
"At Christmas we made sure there were presents at his bed, and on Valentine's Day we helped him buy some flowers for Charlotte when she came in to visit.
"We organised a surprise birthday party for him at the chapel and a nurse even went home with him so he could be with his family for Easter.
"It was a team effort.
"Andy was in a wheelchair and had a ventilator, so we tried to get him out and about as much as possible.
"We got to know him and his family very well.
"Everyone has been delighted to discover we have been nominated for the award. When you see someone get better and finally leave the hospital, it is very rewarding.
"You don't do this job for an award, but they are good for morale and it is nice that hard working staff are being recognised."
To find out more about Andy Blagden's story and ongoing fundraising appeal go to blaggersblogpage.blogspot.com
