You may not have heard from me lately, and I wanted to share what has been happening.

I was first admitted to hospital prior to Christmas after experiencing serious symptoms. At that time, doctors were unable to find evidence of a heart attack, and MRI facilities were not available. I was discharged and advised to arrange further imaging.

I later returned to hospital and spent over six hours checking back in, only to be told that plans had changed and that I should return home and wait for a stroke clinic appointment, which I was advised could take up to two weeks.

At 4:30am, I called my wife to come and collect me.

Concerned about my condition, my wife took me directly to Cabrini Hospital, where I was admitted on Christmas Eve.

Despite the holiday period, the medical team at Cabrini were exceptionally thorough. During my stay, I underwent:

• Five to six blood tests per day

• Five MRI scans

• A deep brain procedure

• A lumbar puncture

• At least six cannulas

• Many additional tests and procedures, some of which I don’t fully remember

I remained in hospital until the Sunday following Christmas, when I was discharged and able to return home.

I am now at home and making a slow recovery. At this stage, we still do not have answers. All results and reports need to be returned, analysed, and discussed by the medical team before a diagnosis and treatment plan can be confirmed. We have been advised this will likely take at least two more weeks, before we know what we are facing.

During this time, I am unable to work. I am self-employed and have no sick leave or income protection. I am in the process of trying to access my superannuation, but this is uncertain and takes time.

My wife has become my primary caregiver, which has also affected her ability to work.

We are raising funds to help cover:

• Medical and specialist expenses

• Ongoing therapy and recovery support

• Day-to-day living costs while I am unable to work

Please know there is no obligation at all. Any help you are able to offer — whether through a donation, time, advice, or simply your good wishes — is deeply appreciated and means a great deal to our family.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for your kindness and support during this uncertain period.