Lyminster patient says a big ‘thank you’ to hospital staff

Alan Storey, 71, of Lyminster, went into St Richard’s Hospital on April 1 for high-risk surgery, repairing an aortic aneurysm, which would have killed him if left untreated.

The next time he opened his eyes, it was May 31, he had spent weeks in intensive care, been back into theatre twice and his family had prepared themselves for the worst.

Nick Brooks, a spokesman for Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “He was in pain.

“He was confused. And he couldn’t move his legs.

“The operation had been a success, but complications had nearly cost him his life.”

Even though he had regained consciousness, he was told he would never walk again.

Nick added: “In the months ahead the tough guy from the north east endured bouts of despair so deep that he told his two daughters that he wished ‘they had switched him off’.”

But, 36 weeks to the day since the first operation, Alan went home, supported by crutches, but on his own two feet.

There is still a tough road ahead for Alan, who has restricted mobility in his left leg and has lost three stones in weight, but he said he was determined to be walking unaided in 18 months, and, one day, he able to play a round of golf.

He said: “I am still alive, and I am being rehabilitated, thanks to some of the nicest, most professional people I have ever met.

“They are truly brilliant.

“I can never express my gratitude to them enough.”