I'm fundraising for Dan Martin who, in 2021 aged just 39, suffered a stroke and paralysis during the Covid-19 pandemic. Having been an otherwise fit and healthy homicide detective sergeant (DS) with the Metropolitan Police Service, his prognosis was to be wheel-chair bound for the rest of his life.

Dan has already achieved the impossible once. In August, Dan received his 20-year long-service award at Scotland Yard – walking and unsupported, with no wheelchair in sight.

But Dan is a long way from recovered. He remains paralysed on his left side, with no use of his left hand and limited arm and leg mobility. He has lost sight in his right eye. He is cognitively impaired. He requires daily carer support.

Despite fantastic support from the Met Police, Dan was eventually medically-retired. Receiving an ill-health retirement pension only covers normal living costs, but the level of income disqualifies him for funded daily care. Specialised treatments which might help prevent the need for care are not offered by the NHS.

This puts Dan in a quandary. He could remain as-is and thoroughly dependent for the rest of his life.

However, Dan has proven his tenacity and determination repeatedly – in leading homicide investigations, and in relearning to speak and walk.

This appeal will support Dan defy the odds once more in his battle with paralysis, sight loss and cognitive impairment; above all in attempting to become independent of daily care needs.

How did it happen?

Unlike most of the population, Dan was a key worker during the Covid-19 Pandemic, maintaining the front-line against violent crime in London. His homicide investigations were complex, gruesome and traumatic. Resolute in his desire for justice, Dan led a team of 15 detectives always carrying at least 6 complex investigations.

Then in July 2021, whilst unable to lockdown due to this work, Dan contracted Covid. Admitted to hospital with Covid Pneumonitis, he was fortunate to receive immediate care when he suffered a serious Ischemic Stroke. After a week in an induced coma, Dan awoke to left-side paralysis and right sight loss.

He has spent three years tenaciously working with specialist medical practitioners to regain his speech and limited mobility. It is amazing what he has achieved against the odds.

What next?

With no means to fund further care, Dan's progress has plateaued. A range of specialist stroke treatments are proposed. These range through osteopathy, acupuncture, pain relief and physiotherapy for the mobility ailments; along with new therapies and treatments to retrain his right eye to use the pathways employed by his healthy left eye.

Dan – a public servant to the core – has already begun to help others. He presently volunteers as a stroke mentor for others facing similar situations. Whilst he won't ever return to the career he loved as a police detective, regaining further faculties would allow Dan to again support us all in society in some other capacity.

Please generously help this dedicated and tenacious public servant – someone who has gone to places and investigated situations none of us could ever imagine – have a chance to achieve the next impossible.

Dan and his family are grateful for your generosity. Be assured of their prayers for all Benefactors. God bless you all!

All sponsorship for Dan will receive independent financial scrutiny and audit.