Ex artillery commando paralysed

This very proud looking man is my dad.
Until October 5th this year, a reasonably healthy, busy man who loved golf, driving his beloved vw transporter and wood carving.

Carving was helping his PTSD, for the first time since leaving the army it helped him find a way to cope. At the moment he can't do this which doesn't help his mental state but he hopes he will one day soon be able to do it again. Though the shed would need converting and adapting.

Here is a link to the Worcester news article about his carving and how it was helping. I admit it makes me tear up when I look at the pictures of how he was not long ago ( https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/13505510.army-veteran-turns-to-wood-carving-for-therapy-and-a-creative-outlet/ ).

Dad served in the royal artillery, fought in the Falklands and served in northern Ireland. His proudest achievement in the army was receiving his green beret and joining 29 commandos.

Dad was diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (in his stomach) just over 2 years ago which was being monitored.

When he collapsed on October 5th we found out he had a thoracic aortic aneurysm (in his neck disecting down to his abdomen). He underwent life saving surgery and is very lucky to be alive. We as a family are so grateful to the amazing surgeons at heartlands hospital.

Dad has been left with no feeling from his waist down unfortunately. At the moment everyday is a struggle for both him and my mum as they adapt to a new way of life.

Last week (17th Dec) dad saw the specialist and his abdominal aneurysm has grown and he will be facing more surgery in the new year. Hoping that his kidneys will improve after this also as there has been complications, with one more than the other.

He is a very proud man and is struggling with relying on other people to help him. I took that out of his hands in creating this. I want to show him that he has helped by doing his duty for queen and country so it's ok for him to accept help from others now.

Mum and Dad are still waiting for benefits they have had to apply for to be sorted out as we all know this is not a quick process so money is very tight for them at the moment.

Dad is currently having hydrotherapy but you only get 6 sessions on the nhs.
Once dad can get his van adapted he can hopefully get himself to the evening groups the hydro run but until then we are not sure how he will be able to continue. Maybe we can use some donated money to pay towards transport for this.

Dad is a very positive man but this has really taken it out of him. He is very determined to make the best recovery possible and has some amazing friends supporting him. We are very grateful to everyone that has been there for him.

If you can help in anyway, by donating or just by sharing then it will be very much appreciated.

Thank you.