On the 28th December 2015 on a one night break to the New Forest, our daughter Connie suffered a freak accident that resulted in her suffering a major head injury.
Within an hour of arrival at hospital, surgeons had determined the pressure in her skull was too great and conducted an emergency decompressive craniectomy, whereby a significant part of her skull was removed to allow the brain to swell and limit any further damage. The parts of her skull were transplanted into her stomach where they remained for 5 weeks until the surgeons felt the brain swelling had subsided enough for the skull to be replaced. Thereafter began Connie’s long journey of rehabilitation, of speech and language, occupational therapy, psychology and physiotherapy, a journey that continues today.
As a family we lived in Southampton hospital until June 2016 when we transferred to The Children’s Trust, a paediatric neurological rehabilitation centre in Surrey. We stayed there until August when we transitioned to community care back home. Nearly eight months after leaving for our one night away, we finally made it home for good.
The actions, skill and care of the paramedics, surgical, medical and therapist teams that evening and thereafter undoubtedly saved our daughters life and prevented catastrophic brain damage, and in addition helped us as a family to find a way forward together.
We have been so lucky to have found such amazing, caring and talented people, and have incredible family and friends that have helped support us on our journey so far. Sometimes everyone needs a helping hand to keep them strong. We have a growing team of 35 awesome people that will all do the Tough Mudder with us, and show that we are all stronger together.
As part of this thanksgiving team we would like to raise some money for those that have helped us along the way and continue to do so.
Thank you for supporting our story.
Caroline, Richard, Connie and Grace xx
