13 March 2022

Hello Everyone. I thought it would be a good idea to write on the original page created by my friend as it seems the most appropriate way to post updates about how and what we have done with your help.

We are just over 3 years since the accident and, whilst the trauma of what happened to Hugo will never leave us, we are, over time, coming to terms with his injuries and how he is today.

Managing our grief along with carrying on everyday life is something we have had to dig deep to do on many days. Keeping busy is key. Keeping positive and finding happiness in small achievements is also something that is important to do. We find happiness through our daughters, our friends, our family and, of course, Hugo. We have realised that it is important to appreciate things in life that we have the luxury of enjoying.

We spend time and visits evaluating Hugo's happiness and wellbeing, not to mention exploring anything new that he will react to, show interest in and enjoy. The world of rehabilitation and neurology is fascinating and there are so many stories and case studies for us to read but Hugo has surprised us in many ways and still leaves us wondering what he will do next.

Hugo is receiving excellent care in his rehabilitation home and his carers have gone over and above during the pandemic when visiting was not possible. We are very lucky that he is just up the road so we can now join in with physio and stimulation therapies and visit when we want to. The 'system' provides a basic path of rehabilitation for Hugo, based on his condition, injuries and the likely outcome. We can enhance this and keep up the momentum to help improve Hugo's progress. We continue to explore ways to improve and encourage this with the help of the therapist team at the care home.

We have allocated some funds, and, plans for an outdoor therapy garden area are underway (after Clare Horrocks raised nearly £900 doing her charity walk last year!). We are waiting for permission to do this and will keep you posted on progress.

Your help continues to enable us to explore therapies and provide the best for Hugo. I hope this post reminds you of how much you have helped and how thankful we are.

I will endeavour to post more frequently in the future and share our news with you.

Joanna and Gary Sleem xxx

ORIGINAL POST 2019

At 5.35am on Saturday 6th January 2019, Gary and Joanna Sleem were awoken by the police knocking on their door. Every parent’s nightmare unfolded, as the police delivered the devastating news, their then18 year old son, Hugo, had been involved in a life threatening car accident.

On arrival at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, Gary and Joanna were informed that Hugo had sustained serious head and brain injuries and would be unlikely to survive. Hugo, a popular, sporty, warm hearted boy, was in his first year of a Business and Accountancy Degree at Northampton University. With his long term girlfriend, Ellie, at his side he had an exciting future ahead of him. However, the severity of his injuries soon made it apparent any future plans were in question. After several hours of complex neurosurgery, Hugo fought to survive, but the family were advised by surgeons that it was unlikely he would make it through the next 24 hours. Against all odds, he did.

Heartbreakingly for the family, early scans indicated that Hugo was unlikely to be able to see, hear or move. Whilst we don’t know what Hugo’s future capabilities will be, at 9 months on, he can do all three of these things, albeit with limitations. Also in doubt was Hugo’s ability to breathe unaided, but again, exceeding expectations, his tracheostomy has been removed and he is breathing independently.

Studies show that recovery levels from a traumatic brain injury are much greater in the first two years following the injury. Hugo is currently in Leamington Brain Rehabilitation Unit, where he receives physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other basic care. If the number of therapy sessions, or the variety of therapies received, were to be increased, Hugo’s future could be greatly improved.

Hugo’s family are acutely aware that patients with traumatic brain injuries respond better when surrounded by family and people they know, so to aid his recovery, Gary, Joanna and Hugo’s younger sisters, Harriet and Tilly, visit Hugo frequently, with at least one of them travelling to Leamington every day. Along with close friends and his extended family, Hugo has the strongest and most loving support possible. But to achieve his full potential he needs more professional help. Therefore, as the community in which Hugo grew up, we want to fund as much additional therapy as possible, before those crucial two years lapse.

To kick things off we have set up this Just Giving page to act as a platform to inform of future fundraising events. We have started our aim to raise £3000, please be assured anything above this amount will all go to Hugo's Fund for his care.

If you have any event suggestions please get in touch as any ideas are welcomed, or if you wish to make a donation ahead of an event please do so. Most importantly, once an event is up and running we kindly request your support in anyway possible. The first event announced is a Winter Ball, at Chipping Warden Village Hall, on Saturday 14th December 2019. Full details to follow but will include a 3-course meal and live band. Tickets are £50 per ticket and can be purchased from Rachael Wilson Mob: 07515 881233.