When father of two, Luke, developed a chesty cough and had trouble breathing, he never expected to need emergency life support.
After being admitted to Swindon Hospital with Type 2 respiratory failure his symptoms got dramatically worse. He was put into an induced coma and transferred to Bristol to receive Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. Provided by donations to Southmead Hospital Charity, ECMO is an advanced form of life-support for patients with severe lung or heart failure.
“I was in a coma for about two weeks. My family didn’t know if I was going to pull through. They were planning a life without me.
“The first memory I have after waking up is seeing my wife coming through the door. I just burst into tears. I had no idea the last time I saw her. It was so emotional.
“My children were only one and three. Thankfully, they had no idea how close they were to losing their dad.“
“I am so thankful that ECMO was available to me when I so desperately needed it. I will forever be grateful to everyone who helped me throughout my journey.”
“This will be the first Christmas when both boys have a grasp of who Santa is. And it’s the small things we’re looking forward to – putting a biscuit out for Santa or seeing the kids’ faces when the carrot’s been eaten by the reindeer. It’s such a privilege to be here and get excited about spending those moments together. ”
