Thank you so much for being here and taking the time to read Michael’s story. ❤️

For those who don’t know, Michael is a dad of two and partner to Amina. This GoFundMe has been created to support the family with essential home adaptations in time for Christmas, giving him the best chance of spending Christmas Day at home with his loved ones. Any funds kindly donated after that will help the family with ongoing visiting costs, daily living pressure, and everything that comes with such a difficult time.

Amina is such a big part of the community and is always supporting others. As proud as she is, any help, big or small , will truly ease the load she’s carrying. ❤️

On Saturday 18th October , Michael was rushed to hospital by blue light and taken straight into resus. His condition was extremely critical, and everything happened so suddenly. He was closely monitored by an incredible medical team around the clock.

We were told he might need to be transferred to Queen’s Hospital for an operation carrying a 50/50 chance of survival. Thankfully, he stabilised enough to remain where he was, but the situation was touch-and-go.

Then came the heartbreaking news from the brain and stroke specialist: we needed to prepare for the worst. We rushed to his side. Hassan brought Leah and Zara in to see their dad, and while they were there, Michael had a small turn, but our strong man fought through it, just like he always has.

We learned that Michael had suffered countless mini-strokes (TIAs) across his brain, along with two major strokes:

• a haemorrhagic stroke — a bleed on the right side

• an ischaemic stroke — a blockage on the left

His blood pressure was dangerously high at 234/135 and took 18 days just to stabilise.

Because of the damage to the right side of his brain, Michael is completely paralysed down his left side. We still don’t know the full long-term impact of the other strokes we can only take each day as it comes.

After weeks in hospital, Michael was finally able to move just his fingers in rehabilitation. It was delayed by a full week due to concerns about a possible blood clot in his leg, but thankfully he has now started the rehab process. This is an important step, but also an incredibly tough one.

At first, he wasn’t fully conscious, sometimes only a mumble or a tear. Those moments kept us going. He’s been in so much pain, and although the medical team is doing all they can, his pain relief options are limited.

Doctors and specialists won’t say how long his recovery will be, it could months years and possibly life long before he could begin to regain any movement. But we are not giving up. Michael is a fighter. We know he’s still in there, fighting with everything he has.

Michael is my world, my partner of 16 years, my best friend, my rock, and the most amazing dad to our girls. Seeing him like this breaks my heart in ways I can’t describe, but we’re staying strong for him, just like he’s always been strong for us.

Please keep Michael in your thoughts and prayers. He needs every bit of love, strength, and hope right now.

Keep fighting, Michael/dad. We’re right here by your side, and we’re not giving up on you.