The Road To Morocco - Simon

Simon Update

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 16:59:00 +0100

Dear All, I visited Si at the OCE last night, and found Simon in very good spirits as it was his last night sleeping at the hospital! From today onwards, Si will be sleeping at home every night. As you can imagine he is totally stoked about this and is in a very good mood! He is really looking forward to spending the Xmas holidays at home. He is not being officially discharged yet - and isn't expected to be for about a month, so he is being taken back into the OCE every day for his usual sessions of physio, hydrotherapy etc, but it is obviously a very good step forward. He has had 2 home workers assigned to him, who will help him get to and from the hospital each day, and help with his daily routines and therapies at home etc. This is obviously a big help for Emma as it takes a lot of pressure off of her on that front. Simon told me about his plans for altering his garage into a bit of a gym , so that he can continue his workouts and fitness improvements when he does get home full time. He has also mentioned his keen-ness for getting back onto his bikes, which is no real surprise, but obviously a bit of a hard thing for his close family to hear... The movement in his right arm is still increasing - last night he could swiftly move it right up off of his lap to touch his face - which is the first time I have seen him do that without having to really struggle. His walking is also still improving - he is still not really able to get about on his own, but his strength, speed and control is all still getting better. Good news all round! Best wishes, Happy Xmas & New year etc to all! Baz

A message from Simon

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 14:23:00 +0100

Dear All, this weekend, Simon wrote a message for me to pass onto his friends, which I have added below... I have censored it very slightly, to avoid any company e-mail firewall issues (or what ever its called!) As you will be able to tell from below - Si's increased level of awareness is now at a point where he understands how serious his accident was , and how much support he and his family have had from everybody. You will also see that he has still got his sense of humour, and his strong will to continue to improve until he is 100%. Simon now comes home to stay in Woodstock every weekend, and is able, with help from Emma, to climb the stairs to his own bedroom at night. This is clearly a massive psychological step for Simon, and has added to his drive to get fit enough to be able to come home full time as soon as possible. Best Regards Baz ____________________________________ This email may be a bit morbid but it is bound to be when I've just returned home from a motorbike trip where I nearly killed myself. Well according to my mum and dad anyway. I would like to thank everybody for the help they have given to Emma and my family. I hope that this will go someway towards repaying you for your kindness. At the moment I am in a great hospital that is in Oxford and it is all good. It has great rooms and great health care. The only thing that I would like to criticise the hospital for is the food. It is sh*t. I could thank all of my friends but they are all w***ers and I love them all and they know I love them but not in a gay way, except Bowman. Tee hee! The McLaren people have been great. I would also like to say a little thank you to the Spanish people who helped us. I would really like to thank the McLaren doctor and Martin Whitmarsh for keeping my family up to date and translating what the Spanish doctors were saying about me. I would really like to thank Ashley and Mike for being there for me. I know that I have recovered but they are still there for me. I would love to catch up with everyone soon and hopefully say to you that my arm and my leg are good again. My memory, I've got no memory of the crash site at all. I don't even remember being in Morocco or getting my bike ready. Or even my house. But it is going to get better. I can already remember the house. Thank you. Simon

Simon Update

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 17:29:00 +0100

Dear All, Simon as usual is continuing to make steady progress, and is on a bit a roll in terms of his determination and self esteem. His right arm which has been the slowest part of his recovery has recently started to show signs of increased movement, which has put Simon into a really positive mood, as this has generally been the thing that has frustrated and worried him the most. Simon's sister and family is currently over from New Zealand visiting him, which is also part of the reason he is on a bit of a high at the moment. Simon has started to move on to some new forms of rehab, such as hydro-therapy lessons in the swimming pool, visits to the shops, and even some sessions in the kitchen! I have attached a picture of Si carving a joint in the OCE flat, just in case some of you find this hard to believe! He is being taught to walk up and down steps, and is using his wheel chair and walking frame less and less. He is still not able to walk un-aided , and is being taught to use crutches, but as the 2nd attached picture shows, he can stand for short times unsupported, but with support close by ready to catch him! Si gets brought home for daytime visits most weekends now, which Si & his family really enjoy, (apart from the odd bout of travel sickness!) and this allows him to get out and about in Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. At first Simon didn't recognise much, but recently he has been remembering various things linked to the place, which shows that his memory is starting to improve as well. This improvement in his memory is also giving him a big boost of confidence in his use of his memory, which has encouraged him to ask more in depth questions and to help himself link his thoughts and ideas etc. His continual improvement in the strength and dexterity of his voice is also helping him with his questioning and understanding of his situation, and also is helping him to help others at the hospital - one young patient in particular who has lost his voice due to a stroke is being helped and encouraged to relearn his speech by Simon, which is really impressing the staff... well apart from the odd swear word that Si teaches him to say... He is obviously keen to get home full time, and just as keen to get back to work, so has started to get himself re-acquainted with his Catia design program on his laptop. He admits to being very rusty on it, but I imagine it must be quite hard for any of us to drive it with just our left hand, let alone re-learn to use it at the same time! But he is keen and very determined, which with Simon, we know will mean he'll get it sorted eventually. Best Regards to all Baz

Simon in 'The Flat'

Mon, 04 Sep 2006 10:00:00 +0100

I popped in to see Simon yesterday afternoon and found him in fine form. Him and Emma were spending the weekend in 'The Flat' which is a annex to the Centre fro Enablement where Simon normally stays. We hung out for a bit watching the Tour of Britain on the Telly and eating a great apple cake which Emma had cooked. It was nice to see Simon in a more relaxed environment. He looked very at home lounged out on the sofa. Anthony

Simon Update

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:28:00 +0100

Dear All - a quick update from Emma to keep you up to date on Simon's progress: Simon is getting to the stage where there are not really any dramatic step changes in his condition, but it is a matter of small but regular improvements in all areas. His speech is becoming clearer and his conversation more technical, his memory is improving, his reading is speeding up, and his arms, legs and body muscles are all getting a little stronger and more controllable on a weekly basis. Si can pretty much stand up from his chair or bed with only minor support, and is starting to have walking sessions in physio without the special walking frame - just using a therapist next to him holding his arm, steadying him up. He is very slow and uses a lot of concentration, but he is up and doing it, and making visible improvements in almost every session. His awareness has improved to the point where he is now quite conscious of his inability to do some things, and as you can imagine this can have both positive and negative effects, but whilst he is upbeat and relaxed, he is really pushing himself to improve. It is Si's birthday on Sept 9th, so if any of you want to send him a card the address is below: Simon Head c/o Oxford Centre for Enablement Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre Windmill Road Headington Oxford OX3 7LD Best Regards to all Baz

Simon Visit

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 11:07:00 +0100

Well I was able to pop in and see Simon last night and we hung out for around an hour. When I first arrived he was eating in the dining room at the centre for enablement. I was good to see Simon socialising with his friends from the centre. He has been recovering well since I last saw him and he was able to show me his latest moves. These include the ability to lift his right leg about 6 inches and he was also able to put up some resistance with his right arm when Emma was trying to arm wrestle with him. I showed Simon a few pictures which I had selected from the first days of the Rally. There was definitely some sort of reaction but I think he will need some more time to digest them. Anyway he was in good spirits (too good sometimes, as he was choking on his tea because he was laughing too much). He also was able to give me his now traditional wave and middle finger when I left. Simon is in Fantastic hands with the nurses, his family and Emma who is doing an incredible job and has the patience of a saint. His recovery can be directly accredited to there continued help and love. Anthony

Short Simon Update

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:12:00 +0100

Dear all - a quick update on Simon: Now that Emma is on school holidays (she is a teacher, not a pupil...) she has been able to spend some time with him in his physio sessions. She has seen that he is now able to sit on a bench un-aided - which previously he has been unable to do because of the strength in his back and side muscles weren't enough to support him. I have attached a picture of this. He is also able to stand-up from this position and with some help, and something to lean on, he can hold his standing position for a short while. Because of this progress, he is now being got in and out of his bed and his wheel chair using a walking frame rather than the roof mounted hoist, which is a good step towards getting more mobile. He is also continuing to improve his right leg strength and movement. He can lift his right leg much higher and faster, and its strength is building up well. He is still in good spirits and is continuing to make steady progress in all areas. Best Regards to all Baz

Simon Update

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 13:06:00 +0100

Dear all, Simon is continuing to progress very well. I have attached a few photos that have been taken of Simon in the last week. In them you will also spot Emma, June (Si's mum), Ashley (Si's boss from McLaren) and Barney (Si's dog). You can hopefully work out for yourselves who is who... I have made the attached photos low quality to allow for a sensible sized e-mail - but to see better quality versions - log into Si's website - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shedsgroup/ Simon's intensive physiotherapy program is showing some good results - Simon is getting some better movement, control and strength into his right leg now. He is having sessions on a walking machine where his body weight is supported by an overhead frame, and so he can practice walking before he is able to support his own weight. Simon is now quite aware of his current physical limitations, and is intent on improving them. Emma has often found him practicing his leg exercises on his own. When Ashley & I visited Si last week he was also trying very hard to show us what he can do, and some of the faces he pulled while concentrating on it were quite impressive! Whilst he is still very limited in what he can do - e.g. he needs a hoist to be lifted in and out of his bed and wheel chair etc, he is definitely on a mission to fix himself, in exactly the same way as he was always on a mission to beat any of us at motocross, enduros, running, cycling etc etc... One of the other patients in the unit has commented to Emma that his progress has been impressive, he has seen Simon make improvements in 4 weeks that he has not seen others do in many times that! He sounds like their star patient. It sounds like he must be working hard, as he is apparently eating for England! - and one of his favourites is the homemade ice cream supplied by another patients wife. Apparently he can't get enough of it! Simon's speech and awareness is also improving at a great rate. His conversations are becoming more complex day by day, and he is asking question about things and people that are relevant to everyday life, and not just to within his daily routine in the hospital. The things that he talks about, and the way he reacts to comments and questions etc really show the fact that Simons basic personality and sense of humour is as good as ever, even if his memory is a bit sketchy! Simon's re-hab schedule is still very busy and tiring for him, so open visiting is still not yet possible, but Emma and Si's family have been able to invite a few limited visitors to catch up with Simon in slots that fit in around his routine. He has enjoyed this a lot - as you can see from the photos! They are aware that a lot of people are keen to see him, but hope that everyone understands that it is still likely to be a while before this is possible. Best Regards to all Baz

Simon Update

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 18:36:00 +0100

Dear all - Simon has settled in well to his new home at the Oxford Centre for Enablement. It took him a while to get used to his new, quieter surroundings but now he seems comfortable and happy there and is starting to interact well with the staff and other patients. Emma says that the staff there are very friendly, and are very helpful to both the patients and their families. His speech is continuing to improve, and now, when Emma visits him each day he is starting to talk about what he has been doing in the day. (Previously he had been denying all knowledge of doing any hard work, even though he was quite clearly worn out!) There is a whole host of work that Simon gets to do each day - and is quite often sound asleep for a few hours, if he gets a break between his workouts. Simon was watching a bit of TV this weekend, but apparently, he preferred to watch some football match than the F1 race... He seems to be always happy and smiling (when he is awake...!), and gives a big wave when he sees his family arrive to visit him. He is understandably a little sad when he has to say goodbye to Emma and his parents when they leave him, but other than that I don't believe he ever shows any real frustration or depression about his situation, which I think is incredible. Best Regards to all Baz.

Simon Update

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 11:16:00 +0100

Dear All, Simon moved out of the John Radcliffe, and into his new room at the Oxford Centre for Enablement on Monday evening. Emma says that he has settled in well and it is a very nice place. It sounds more like a hotel room than a hospital ward - i.e. it has a mirror, tv, a wardrobe, nice furniture, and nice view of the garden etc. The patients all eat together in a communial room, and there is also other communial rooms for watching TV or just chilling out. The staff have basically spent this week assessing Simon, so that they can make a dedicated rehab program for him. It sounds like he is in for some serious workouts... Emma sounds very impressed with the variety of staff and equipment they have there. Simon is still making progress in all areas, and with his improving speech, conversation and 'interesting facial expessions!' , Emma is enjoying her daily time spent with him more and more. Best Regards to all Baz

Simon Update

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 10:33:00 +0100

Dear All, Simon is continuing to make good steady progress... Simon is now feeding and drinking himself, using his left hand. The food he is able to eat now is no longer pureed , although it is specifically chosen to be soft and easy to chew e.g. mash & minced beef etc. Simon is talked through a menu each day for him to chose which food he wants. I also hear that he has quite a thirst... sounds like the Simon we know and love! I imagine that it won't be long before Si has his stomach tube removed, as it is not really needed now. Si is also getting to grips with things like cleaning his teeth himself. Simon's speech has continued to improve and grow stronger. Emma feels that when she spends time with him now, there is real 2 way conversation, and that Simon is clearly interacting with the people in his room. Whilst his words are still often very quiet and slow, his sentences are becoming more complex and the subject matter is more varied. Simon is smiling a lot, especially when he sees someone he recognises enter the room. He is also showing his sense of humour, by giving a big smile when something is said that is particularly funny or sarcastic. He also seems more relaxed with himself. When I saw Simon a few weeks ago, he seemed pretty fidgety and agitated with his situation, but now Emma says he is a lot more comfortable and 'laid back' Simon is still receiving heavy physio, which can often wear him out to the point of sleeping all afternoon afterwards. The latest work on this front is to get Simon used to putting weight onto his legs and joints, in preparation for him walking in the future. They do this using a large rotating table, that can slowly take Simon from horizontal to vertical, and then can give Simon exercises to do with varying amounts of his bodyweight on his legs. The biggest news of the week though, is that Simon is ready to be transferred out of the John Radcliffe and has been offered a bed in the Oxford Centre for Enablement, at the Nuffield Centre: http://www.noc.nhs.uk/ourservices/default.aspx This is a specialist unit that has been created for the rehabilitation of brain trauma patients. I believe they have a vast array of specialist equipment and staff to help patients like Simon learn to walk and talk, and generally get back to their normal way of life as fast as possible. It sounds like this is the perfect place for Simon to be , now that he is physically ready for it. It is possible that Simon will move to the O.C.E. as early as the beginning of next week. Emma will pass on information of Simons new ward etc once it is all sorted. Best Regards to all. Baz

This weeks news

Fri, 02 Jun 2006 13:48:00 +0100

Dear all, this week Simon's speech has made some good progress. Whilst he is still talking quite slowly and quietly, his vocal strength is improving, and Si now speaks small sentences on a regular basis, that are not necessarily prompted by questions i.e. showing that he is thinking about things on his own and then saying them voluntarily. This is obviously a big step for Simon as he can communicate with the nurses and his family better now, getting across to them his feelings e.g. if he is too hot or too cold, if he wants to be in his chair or bed etc. Because of the improvement in Simons mouth and throat control, the hospital is starting to try feeding him with some pureed solid food through his mouth, instead of the liquid food through his stomach pipe. He finds this hard work, and tiring, as with anything new he does, but again it is a good step. His posture and muscle strength is continuing to improve, and the movement of his right leg is improving well (although he often cheats by using his left leg to lift his right leg etc!). With his improved body movements and strength, Si is obviously try to move himself around more, so I think the nurses are having to keep a good eye on him to make sure he doesn't escape!! Another good week of progress! Best Regards to all Baz

Simon Latest

Fri, 26 May 2006 15:37:00 +0100

Hi all, This week, Simon has again made some small but important signs of progress. His time spent in the wheel chair each day has strengthened his neck and back muscles so that he supports his body and head much better now. Previously he was struggling to hold his head up, and spent a lot of the time looking down at his lap, but now his sitting position is much more regular and self supported. Simon has now shown that he can make small but controlled movement of the toes on the end of his right leg. This is the first sign of real controlled movement from his right side as far as I am aware. His left side has pretty much the full range of movements now, and is steadily building up strength and dexterity. Simon is also starting to communicate a little more now: He is able to answer some simple questions with hand signs , for example, "put your thumb up if you want to get back into bed" etc, and, with some coaxing and given plenty of time, Simon has now started to try and mouth some simple words. All of this, and the regular work the hospital puts Simon through is making him very tired. Emma has found several times this week that when she visits him after she leaves work, he is pretty much asleep! Best Regards to all Baz

Simon Update

Fri, 19 May 2006 09:07:00 +0100

Dear all, On Monday, Simon had his trachea tube removed by the hospital. They were happy that he would be able to breath OK without it, and since having it removed he has been breathing fine. He has also been making good progress with his alertness and hand control - Emma has been showing him some photos of his family , and has been asking him to point to different named people, which generally he has been able to do. Simon has also been allowed a brief trip in his wheel chair outside of the hospital , so that he can meet his dog Barney - who he spent a few minutes petting on his lap. Emma said that Si really enjoyed this, and held and stroked Barney in a fashion that he would have done before. It seems that Simon has a had a good week of progress in most areas - his physical condition, his limb control and movement, and his alertness have all improved in small but significant ways. Best Regards Baz

Simon on the mend!!

Tue, 16 May 2006 10:11:00 +0100

Since last weekends operation to re-fit the trachea tube, Simon has been making steady progress. He is breathing very well without any oxygen and his lungs are producing / carrying very little fluid. Simon now gets lifted out of bed in the morning and sits in his reclining wheel chair for a lot of the day. He is now wearing his own T shirts and shorts, and so is looking and hopefully feeling a bit more like his old self. His left arm and leg movement and control has again made good improvements. He now can lift his knee up towards his chin, in order to rest his foot on the seat he is sat on, and he often uses his arm and hand to support his head, which needs some support while his neck muscles build up the strength needed for his now more upright position in the chair. There are quite a few little things that Simon can do now, e.g. pick up a ball from his lap and drop it on the floor, which whilst sounding quite trivial, are all important steps toward him getting his systems up and running again.