On the 22nd of July, we will be celebrating the fact that Craige will be 62. We are SO thankful, because his story almost had a very different ending.

After a week of feeling ill with the 'flu, Craige then started to cough and found it very hard to breathe. On the morning of the 23rd December, we went to the on duty GP, for advice, thinking that he may send us home with some antibiotics. He in fact told me to drive Craige straight to A&E, as had pneumonia. Once there Craige was given oxygen, had blood taken and we were told that he'd need IV antibiotics and would stay in for at least a night. Once they got the chest x-rays back it was a different story, and they told me to call the kids in. He was dangerously ill. He was then transferred up to the ICU, where he was put in an induced coma and on a ventilator.

For the following 3 days, his life was on a knife edge. They were in regular contact with St Thomas' whilst it was decided if he needed to be put on ECMO and transferred to their care. For days and nights, the dedicated team of Doctors and Nurses, at East Surrey, battled to save Craige's life.

Meanwhile, friends and family, and friends of friends all around the world, prayed. By Boxing day evening there was a glimmer of hope.

His Christmas present had been a type of dialysis, when his kidneys started to protest. He then contracted other infections, including Sepsis. But still they battled, and still folk prayed. Bit by bit his lungs cleared, until they thought it would be ok to reduce his sedation.

It was a traumatic rollercoaster of steps forward and back until at long last on the 8th January he was able to have his tubes taken out. Kidney problems persisted, and so he was in the ICU for 3 weeks and a day. He then spent a few days in the HDU, before he was then transferred to Godstone ward.

On the 21st January, 4 weeks and a day later, I took Craige home.

Every day I am thankful for the walking miracle, that is my husband.

Whilst Craige was in the ICU we were blown away by the care given, by all of the staff. They didn't only look after him, but kept us, his family and friends, afloat with their incredible gentleness and kindness.

Before Craige was transferred up to the ICU, he was put on a device called Optiflow. This kept him going until he was put on the ventilator. It is our aim to raise enough money to buy at least one more of these amazing machines. We would also like to buy a few items to benefit the teams of angels, whilst they work such long shifts.

On the 27 - 28 July, we will be holding a weekend long celebration, called 'The thank God he's alive party weekend', at the Caterham Pumas home ground. There will be fun and entertainment for all ages, and the chance to camp on the Saturday evening. (Details on Corinne's Facebook page) There will be the opportunity to donate money whilst there, however, if you are unable to join us, would you consider making an online donation, towards the cost of one of these life saving machines? 

Thank you in advance.

With much love from,

Craige and Corinne Amos and family.

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