Category Archives: Events

Lilster’s Bday x

Events

Am update July 26th 

Today is Lily’s  birthday.  Happy birthday lovely Lily!  Russell is looking forward to hearing your voice on the telephone this evening. We shall all shed a few tears.
To our great delight Russ was very awake, aware and was even cracking a few jokes this morning. 
The nurse was telling us that his priority was enabling  Russ to return home.  He explained that the change in pressure during take off and landing would adversely affect  Russell in his present condition. Russell responded in writing on his white pad…..’no probs, I will cycle home…….’.  We all laughed.  later he asked me what the NHS was like prewar……. I know that I am over 40 but….!   We were delighted as you can imagine. He managed to drink two cartons of orange juice and, when we left, was looking forward to his ….mashed…..lunch . A mashed lunch is a first for Russell.  The gastric tube is still in place but,  if he can cope with a mashed lunch, it will be removed soon. 
The two hours spent with him were a real boost for us. We are looking forward to 4.00 pm when we visit again today. Further update later so watch this space 

Message From Sarah Frankum from hers and Larry’s visit earlier in the week;

Larry and I arrived last Tuesday afternoon and were expecting Russ to still be sedated so we were delighted to find him wide awake. We hadn`t seen him for 4 weeks and were amazed at his progress as although the pneumonia had knocked him sideways the old Russ was definitely there. Over the next few days, although very tired at times, he continued to improve and communicated by mouthing and writing. He loved hearing about all the support from home and was staggered when we showed him the calender so he could see how many friends and family had been out to visit him as his short term memory seems to be very hazy. However this also appears to be improving as he was able to recall certain things over our visit – he remembered from the Wednesday to the Thursday that a royal baby had been born and even enlightened us on the choice of name. He has definitely not lost his sense of humour – for example – I am reading a text to him from my phone at which point he asks Larry for some paper, looks at me and writes “Get some f**king glasses” as I am clearly struggling to read the small print!! We left after seeing Russ Thursday afternoon with more positive news of a hopeful repatriation next week which Wonder Wife Dani is busy sorting – in fact another comment Russ wrote down to Larry was, “I wish you were as lucky as me with my wife”. No offense taken Mr Dawkins!!!!

Mummy Dawkins PM (prime minister…)

Part 2
We returned to the hospital après lunch to find Russell under going thoracic vibration ,we were banned for an hour. At 5.15 we were readmitted to find Russell looking very OK thank goodness. He complained that he was feeling hungry and wanted to ‘ order lunch ‘ which we did for him. Lunch provided was very appetizing  ‘ soup ‘ ,’ mashed potatoes and diced ham’ , ‘trifle’ ,  ‘ semolina ‘ and a drink. Wow , a bit of a change from a nasal drip feed ! But where was the wine that we had ordered? He can have some on Monday apparently !!
 
He managed to drink all the soup plus large amounts of mashed potato and ham plus some trifle. Well done Russ, really excellent.
He talked to us for the whole time . 
At 5.40 pm lily rang Russ to tell him about her birthday and her drama performance . Amber followed with her account of the day. His face was a picture of happiness, it was tearful for us to watch.
However, he was very tired by 7.30 and wanted to sleep and so we left a little before 8.00 feeling happier than we had for a very long time. Well done Russ.
It has been an eventful and emotional week for us and for Russ too.
Roy was there when we arrived on Tuesday. He was a great support to both Russ and to us. Sarah and Larry arrived on Tues and were invaluable, today was our only full day with Russ on our own. 
Russ has leapt forwards from Tuesday to today. We can leave tomorrow feeling much happier than when we arrived last Tuesday
Dani will be very happy with the progress that he has made since she saw him last Sunday
 
Am signing off as blog writer Melissa. Lol Di xxxxxxxxxxxxx

White Cliffs of Dover

Events

From Mummy Dawkins

Huge improvement this am . Russ, although very quiet, is totally with it. We have arranged for Russ to speak to Lily on her birthday tomorrow. Although he cannot speak because of the tracheotomy, he can listen to her voice which, I quote, ‘will be lovely’. We bought him an ice cream which he enjoyed although we had to finish it for him. He knows that Dani is returning on sat but it is almost impossible for him to appreciate time. All we can do is constantly reassure him that today is Thursday, tomorrow is Friday, Lily’s birthday and the next day he will see his darling wife, Dani.
Poor Russ, he is living in a void where night and day have merged and where, every so often, loving family and friends appear from nowhere to support him.
We have just heard from Dani that as long as Russell’s lungs continue to improve he will be able to return to the UK towards the end of next week which is wonderful news.
 Bob and I have just enjoyed a lunch with Sarah and Larry sitting outside under a leafy French tree. Just what the doctor ordered,I think. More news later .

PM

Russ was very sleepy this pm…almost too tired to speak or to write on his white board. Quite obviously, he is affected by his pneumonia . He has had a blood transfusion which should help him. He is looking forward to hearing birthday Lily,s voice on the phone tomorrow.
 We were asked to leave him an hour earlier so that he could be sedated to help him sleep well tonight.
Lol. Dianne
(The iPad up and coming genius and her advisor in everything but iPads – young Robert who thinks that an iPad is something worn by a pirate xxxxx)

Wednesday 24th – Bob and Di

Events 
This morning we found Russ very much calmer than yesterday. We explained that he was experiencing some drug withdrawal symptoms which he understood and accepted. Russell was wearing a pad around his chest which vibrates for a short period of time six times a day. The vibrations move the mucus around in his lungs which frees it allowing it to be sucked out. This is not a very pleasant procedure for Russell but is preferable to physiotherapy which he finds very painful. Further update this pm





 






Bob and I shared the afternoon and evening visiting time with Sarah and Larry. Russell was quite subdued. We massaged his shoulders and neck which seemed to make him more comfortable. Russ had a further session with the thoracic vibrator to bring up the mucus so that he could breathe more easily. This exhausted him but he rallied around before we left him. The nurses have told us that his pneumonia is responding to the course of antibiotics which is excellent news. We are hoping that he will feel much better tomorrow. 















Message from Jayne Creamer:










Hi Russ,
From reading the blog it sounds like you are showing some 
true 'Russ form' in being annoyed and annoying - such a relief for us to
 read ;) I can't believe that there is no mention of the biggest news - 
no not the Lions caning the Wallabies - but the birth of the Little 
Prince! who isn't a ginger - so you lost that bet - thanks, Ad and I 
look forward to the beers you now owe us. Current debate is the name - 
we have $2.50 on 'Kanye'.
As has been mentioned, Froome did win the 
tour and in emphatic style - supported by an awesome team including the 
fabulous Aussie package of Richie Porte. Felt sorry for poor Mark 
Cavendish who seemed to be served a rough deal due to the fact that he's
 only managed to win 15 stages this season not the 18 he did last 
season.... what a slacker.  
There's some big cricket comp going on 
too - the Ashes - I believe it's named. Can' tell you much about it as 
they don't talk about it over here. 
Lots of love big boy, Ads and Jayne xxxx


	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			Drugs….
		

		
		

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Message from Roy Merrit:




I  went to St. Anne’s Hospital this morning and was greeted by a nurse who  told me that Russ would be sedated all of today and tomorrow so had a  quiet morning.




After  a peaceful lunch in Toulon old town I returned to the hospital and met  Diana, Russ’s mum, and together we met his doctor to discuss his status  and how his repatriation might work. Russ’s dad Bob then joined us and  we went to his ward to be amazed on finding Russ completely awake and  quite lucid.  He was able to communicate through speech for the most  part though frustrated that this wasn’t easy, and if necessary was able  to write down his questions/commands. We discussed his accident and I  showed him some pictures but he has no recollection of the day itself  but he does remember people and events from before then. He is evidently  ‘with it’ though this brings it’s own challenges as he is finding the  bed very uncomfortable and is dissatisfied with what he can do to get  the nursing staff to address his various concerns. So this was really  encouraging as the real Russ is clearly back, but an intro to the coming  period as he tries to adjust to his new environment and situation. 




Larry  and Sarah were also there so along with Bob and Diana Russ will not be  short of support in the coming days.  The main problem that the doctors  explained was that he has pneumonia in his lungs and this must be  overcome before any substantial physical progress can be made. But he is  now on an anti-biotic course for this and hopefully the next few days  will show an improvement in this area. 




Drugs




Thanks to Roy for the above. 




Russ has been on very strong pain killers since the outset; it is highly likely amongst this cocktail of drugs Morphine has been given too.  Morphine is a derivative of Heroin/Opium and the patient will usually experience some ‘come down’ when he is weened off the pain killer.  Some of the symptoms might be itchiness,  restlessness, irritability, loss of appetite, body aches, severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, tremors.  I imagine that the French nurses will not be able to convey to Russ that if he is experiencing these feelings that it is part and parcel of the withdrawal.  In addition it is quite common for patients coming out of sedation to experience frequent nightmares.  Russ may have had some nightmares and I suspect this might have explained his fascination with the cabinet at the end of his bed as he came round from his long induced coma a couple of weeks ago.  It may be a good idea for visitors to help Russ to understand that he might be experiencing these symptoms because of the drugs and to explain that they are all quite common and  that he will get through this stage once he is ‘weened off the drugs’. xxxx


	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			July 22nd – lots of visitors!
		

		
		

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From Chris and Carloine Bennfors


Following his sedation over the last three days for the chest infection, Russ had  what I can best describe as a frustrating day waking up. 

He is looking swollen from having spent time lying on his face, and has a couple of sores (from pressure points) on each cheek bone, which looks like he has done a few rounds with Mike Tyson.


He has also been quite agitated, which the nurses explained can be a side-effect of the medication. At one stage he made it clear he wasn't happy with his lot, indicating with his hand as a pistol he wanted to do away with the nurses! It would have been quite funny if it wasn't for the fact that Russ followed it up by indicating he wants to go home. I say 'indicate' as, due to the tracheotomy, he is still not able to use his voice properly, so has to mouth what he wants, which isn't always clear. What was clear was his request for Lily and Amber when he woke from his sedation, and the desire to speak to Dani, which we arranged as a 3-way conversation: Dani speaking, Russ mouthing and me interpreting for Dani.   We're sad to be leaving you, Russ, but can see you are in good hands, with the medics and all the friends and family visiting. Keep up the fight and see you at home in London soon.   Much love from us both C&C 




From Rubena Kerr and family




Hi Melissa 

We saw Russ yest and we were so glad to have had the opportunity. Could you please update the blog with this message.

Me
 , my daughter Sarah, Judy and her son Kieran set off on a weeks med 
cruise from Barcelona on Sunday. By sheer chance our first port of call 
was Toulon!!! We were so pleased to be able to go to the hospital to 
visit Russ. We had been informed by Dani that he was sedated and had 
been lying face down due to his chest infection, but was due to come 
round in the afternoon. 
When we arrived at the hospital
 a nurse allowed us in a little earlier as he was awake and we had 
around 90 mins to be back on the ship( or else we would have been hitch 
hiking to meet the ship at Nice today!!!)
As expected, 
he was still a bit woozy however he did know we were there, as he did 
write my name on his little whiteboard . That would have totally 
confused him to see us there!!!!
His face was swollen 
and sore looking as Dani had explained to us. And yes we will agree that
 he is def not his usual handsome self!!! However they will heal quickly
 hopefully!
He was mouthing to us and we realised he was
 thirsty. We had bought water for him and gave him a tiny sip. A 
horrified nurse came in and gave us a telling off and gave us a swab to 
pour it on so we gave him a tiny bit more! 
Although he 
was obviously uncomfortable his fighting spirit shone through as he was 
still able to boss the nurses about and communicate what he wanted!
He was pointing to his abdomen and indicating pain so the nurses told us that he needed to have some Physio. 
At that point we left feeling very grateful to have been able to see Russ, hold his hand, and just to have been there for him. 
On our way out, we met Caroline and Chris who hadn't been able to see him awake. 
Subsequently we have heard from Dani who has told us that he has been sedated for a  further 2 days!!!!

( we are hoping that wasn't due to the after effects of our visit!!!!!! )

We have all been devastated by Russ's  accident. We have been reading the 
blog daily and it's been amazing to keep up with his daily progress. 
Thanks so much for setting this up. We are so pleased to have the 
opportunity to add to it. 

Russ is an amazing person with an amazing family and so many suppotive friends thatthink the world of him!

With everyone's support and his own fighting spirit we are sure he will come through this horrific ordeal. 

We are hoping to visit next month again with his Glasgow friends, inc 
Dave, Alan M,&co! Everybody is sending all their love and best 
wishes!!!

Lots of love

Beana, Sarah, Judy and Kieran






P.S Dave, Shirleyanne, Sue and all Scottish buddies who know Russ send their love and best wishes.
Xxxx


	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			The Lions – Roy
		

		
		

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Toulon – got here at 10pm so a quick post for you… Roy 

Late  arrival in Toulon tonight but managed to blag my way in to see Russ  briefly. He was sleeping peacefully, and I was very pleased to see that  he looks a lot better than my last visit – healthy skin colour and fewer  tubes etc. The nurse told me that he was awake until 7pm but was then exhausted and fell asleep.




I’ll  be back tomorrow to hopefully see Russ when he’s awake. Thanks to  John’s efforts I have some Lions videos to treat him to!  If that  doesn’t get him shouting then nothing will.


	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			From Bob and Dianne Dawkins xxx
		

		
		

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Dear All,




Bob and I are flying down to Marseilles on    Tuesday, the earliest flight available to us, so that we can be with    Russell until the weekend when Dani will return from the UK. We feel that it    is very important that a member of his immediate family is with    him whilst he remains in ICU. 


 


Russell’s  terrible injuries followed by a    cardiac arrest during surgery left us shocked  and desperate. In the    beginning, we didn’t know whether he would make it. . Russell has survived    and  his survival is due to the highest standard of nursing care from a    totally dedicated staff. We cannot thank them enough..  In    addition, Russell,s  family are overwhelmed  by the number of    friends who have  taken the time to visit him. Their love and concern has    filled us with gratitude.  As his mother and father we want to thank    each and everyone of you from the bottom of our hearts. Your love for    Russell  has meant everything to Russ and to    us .


 


We cannot wait to be with Russell    again.


 


Thank you to everyone who has been there for     him.   


 




Dianne and Bob 


	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			Sunday 21st July ….a little extra from Dani.
		

		
		

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Sleepy times….


A  difficult few days as Russ is in his 3rd day of an induced coma  (designed to assist his lung recovery and improve his respiratory  functions). Really not nice to see him in a coma, face down – and then  when he is “turned” back on his back, huge facial swelling and welts  from being prone face-down for 12 hours or so. All the more difficult  given how lively he was last Thursday.


However,  what I’ve learned throughout this whole tortuous process is that  whenever there is a step or two forward, it is generally followed by a  step back. And, indeed, we were told to expect this from the doctors  right from the start. Still harrowing nevertheless.


Anyway,  am now back in lovely W4 and it is truly lovely to be home and to be  reunited with Lily who’s just returned from her sailing holiday in  Italy. The girls are doing a drama course this week (obviously in a  quest for Hollywood stardom some day….!) and it’s also Lily’s birthday  Friday so should be some chilled nice Chiswick days ahead. Then back to  Toulon at the weekend to hopefully see some Bionic-Russ improvements  🙂


Russ’s lovely parents and lots of fab friends will be there while I’m away so am relying on them for regular blog updates.


On  a more cheery note, below are pictures of our classy dinner on the  French Riviera last night (at my dad’s hotel in Bandol, just outside  Toulon). Great dinner with dad, Wendy, Lisa and Andrew and Amber and I.  As you can see, Amber was introduced to her first few sips of champagne.  I know, very bad mother…..:-s


Love Dani xxxx








P.S Re. Russ’s face-down comatose state, have just realised that about  67% of those reading the blog will have actually witnessed Russ in this  state on numerous occasions before (as have I over the 29 years we’ve  been together). Pretty normal way for the party boy to end an  evening…..:-s




	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			Chris and Caroline Bennfors
		

		
		

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Chris and Caroline arrived in Toulon today, this is Chris’s message:




To aid Russ’ recovery from the recent lung  infection, he is spending time intermittently between lying on his back  and on his front. We  have been to see Russ twice today, the first time being greeted by his  front and the return visit by his backside. Very charming! It’s  obviously been frustrating for everyone to see Russell make good  progress and then receive this knock to his recovery. But that as we  understand is the way of a serious injury. 





During  our mid-afternoon visit Russ lay there peacefully listening to Caroline  and myself reminisce in the hope that he can hear us, and take in the  memories as a some sort of recovery pill. Caroline is convinced that the  odd well chosen raised eye brow, movement of the arm and mumbling shows  he’s tuned in! Russ remained totally impassive when we mentioned the  Ashes victory, and Westwood losing out to Mickleson in the Open, but  were convinced there was twitch of the eye brows when we mentioned  Froomes win. 





Very glad we could be here, and fill in the gap between other visitors. 





Love from us both 





Chris & Caroline


	

	
	


							


	

		
				

			Sparko
		

		
		

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Hi all,


Just had a lovely chat with Danibelle.  Dad (Dr Al) and Wendy arrived yesterday shortly followed by Lisa and Andrew.  They went to visit Russ yesterday and disappointingly for them all Russ was sedated due to the procedure that Dani described yesterday.


This morning they arrived to find poor Russ face down on a massage style bed (with a hole for his face).  They have kept him sedated for the duration of today as having him lying face down is the quickest way to clear his chest and drain the mucus.


The nurse on duty today was new and didn’t have the same command of the English language as her colleagues have shown previously but it is assumed by some crude translations that Russ will be under further sedation for the rest of today and with his previous track record for waking after sedation we can probably assume that he won’t be awake tomorrow either.  This is  probably the best thing for him as it will be very disorientating for him to come around face down.


Russ’s scar from his initial surgery on his back (bone realignment) is healing well although he does have a large haemotoma above the wound.  This is not giving any cause for concern though.


On a positive note, my dad has checked in to the most glamorous hotel in Toulon (this will come as no surprise to those of you that know my dad!) and has whisked everyone off there for supper and a late afternoon swim!


Dani, Amber, Dad, Wendy, Lisa and Andrew are all flying home tomorrow so Russ will be on his own for 24 hours for the first time since his arrival…. 🙁 
…..Thankfully Roy will be there late Monday pm…hopefully he will be awake by then.


Oh and Russ ….still nothing to report ….bloody Kate hasn’t had the baby yet…  🙂  Loads of love  Margo xxxxx