Hi dear friends,

We’re reaching out with a bit of a lump in our throat, because asking for help like this isn’t easy, but so many of you have messaged, called, offered meals, lifts, ‘anything you need’… and right now, this is what will help the most.

As many of you know, Dave (DJ) has been hit with a rare and very serious bacterial meningitis infection. In most healthy people, it’s something the body can fight off before it takes hold but for Dave, his accident 37 years ago has come back to haunt him. A piece of hardware in his pelvis (or a screw/something similar) has broken through into his bladder, and a bladder stone has attached to it, causing an infection. His body just couldn’t fight the other bacteria on top of that.

Doctors have told us that if he hadn’t gotten to hospital when he did, he likely wouldn’t be here today. It’s been terrifying, and we’re all just so grateful he’s still with us.

While we thought the meningitis was under control, recent MRI’s and testing has shown the spinal swelling is getting increasingly worse and on top of this, they can’t properly address the bladder issues and other complications until Dave is stronger. That means a longer hospital stay (extended to say the least) and more operations still to come in the weeks ahead, with a minimum of 6 months recovery if all goes well from here.

With Dave unable to work and income on hold, the financial pressure is building quickly for our family with day-to-day bills, time off work, Christmas and everything that comes with a long hospital stay.

If you’re in a position to donate, even a small amount, it would make a huge difference. And if you can’t, that’s completely okay, sharing this page or keeping Dave in your thoughts means so much too.

Thank you, genuinely, for every message, every check-in, every bit of kindness. We are so thankful Dave, my husband, my best friend, most dedicated dad ever and the heart of this family is still here. Someone was watching over him, we’re sure.

With love and gratitude,

The Johnson Family xxx