Below is the latest from Maman Jenni.  I spoke to ‘France’ today and Russ’s tracheotomy is still preventing him from talking despite the deflation of the balloon contraption.  Hopefully he will have the trachy for only a few more day and then he will just be reliant on an oxygen mask.  Dani has taken an A3 card and some post it notes spelling the alphabet back out to France with her so Russ can spell out what he wants to say but I gather that Russ is finding it easier relying on others lip reading skills!  Apparently Russ’s eyes do not leave his girls when they are visiting and his face lights up when they are there.
Russ’s wonderful parents left a couple of days ago.  They were on holiday in Canada when the accident happened and flew back to London as soon as they could get on a flight.  When they reached London they couldn’t get a flight to Marseille for a day or so, so they drove home to Wales, had a shower and a sandwich and an hour later they started the very long car journey (15 hours) from Cardiff to Toulon by car! (Having already been up for 48 hours!) They have been in France ever since and have attended every visiting time – complete Stalwarts.  They have returned briefly to Wales knowing that Russ is now out of the woods for the first time in 3 1/2 weeks.

xxx

Dear All
Russ has had a very quiet day so not a lot to report. Apparently, he had a lively night and early morning. He looked very relaxed and comfortable tho'. As he was so sleepy, Dan suggested that we take the girls to a beach that was accessed by a little ferry. It was great and we all swam and the girls loved it. Dani gave Russ a manicure tonight as his has were very chapped and now they look very smart. So that's all really.
Love to you all as usual.
Jenni x 

Dani has asked me to post these photos of Russ which were taken 9 days after the accident.

These photos are desperately unpleasant and were taken at a very critical time.  Today they are being used to promote the utter strength of character and determination that has been required to defy medical opinion and display a unique human spirit and fight for survival.

 They are very shocking as this was when Russ was in a coma and was attached to every contraption under the sun, including a dialysis machine, lung train, blood transfusion, ventilator, etc!  During this time every tube was keeping him alive. He was like this for over two weeks.  Poor Russ was in a very, very bad way….but….

The last photo of Russ with his beautiful girls at his side is how he looks today…this evening and I think you will all agree that there has been a remarkable transformation of super human strengths yet again! (He even looks a little bit like Clark Kent!).  This has only been 14 days after the other photos…..well done Russ, if you can keep up this pace you will be home in London in just  a few weeks! xxx

Hello Everyone.  I am so sorry that I have not updated the blog for 48 hours….I have been in deepest East Sussex camping without internet….yes Russ, ‘Margo’ has been camping….first time since I was 6- 36 years ago!  I gather Russ missed a weekend of camping last weekend as he was due to be going to Glastonbury with Roy.

All the news coming in is showing Russ is still little by little recovering.  News from mum in chronolgocial order starting with Monday:

Dear everyone
So sorry to be so late in sending this e mail but we left the hospital late and went straight to a restaurant for supper. Of course as you all realise, both Amber and Lily came here with Danielle last night. It was the first time Lily had seen Russ since his accident. When we arrived at the hospital it was very frustrating, particularly for Lily as they weren't able to see Russ for over an hour. He was, in fact, having physiotherapy. When Danielle and Lily and Amber went to see Russ, he was extremely sleepy, so we felt that the girls were a bit upset.
However, fortunately, this afternoon, it really was a different matter. Russ was very much awake and quite obviously delighted to see " his girls" . He watched them all the time with a lovely smile on his face. Lily and Amber were quite superb and really didn't want to leave his side. Very beautiful to observe.
So once again we are pleasantly optimistic as every day is a little step towards recovery.
Must have a sleep now.
Dear love as always
Jenni x 

Today:

Dear everyone
Another good day. Russ was very alert this morning and was propped up a bit more in bed,almost in a sitting position. He is very aware of noises and people coming into the room and curious as to what is in such and such (like a drawer).
The nurses also seem pleased with him, which is very reassuring. He continues to give everyone lovely smiles which is always so comforting.
So each day there seems to be a noticeable improvement.
Love to you all
Jenni x

Oh God, forgot to mention Murray won Wimbledon yesterday! Amazeballs!

x

Good morning!  It’s another stunning day here in the UK and we are all getting prepared for the Wimbledon final. Today Dani will be returning to France with Lily and Amber in tow.  It will be a very special reunion today as Lilstar hasn’t seen Russ since his accident.  Now Russ will have all his girls with him to smooth out his brow.

Very important message Russ for you from Jayne Creamer:

Hi Russ, just making sure you know that Chris Froome won Stage 8 – from Castres to Aix trois Domaines – an amazing stage in the Tour de France yesterday (or overnight for those of us viewing from Australia!) – that means of course another Brit in yellow 🙂 with every chance of holding on to it for some time if not all the way. I can’t believe it was almost  year ago that I was sending you texts about the cycling at the Olympics – when it was going through Richmond Park 🙂
I also can’t believe we are getting regular updates on the news about Will & Kate’s baby! What odds are you giving that the child will be a ginger?
It is terrific to read this blog about you and to hear of your continuing improvements – and of your persistent cheekiness – it must be really frustrating not being able to talk and to be taking the mickey about of others without words – still, you’ll be giving it your best we know. It sounds like you’re doing a really good job pulling through, so just keep on keeping on.

We think about you all the time big fella, lots of love, Ads & Jayne xxxx (those kisses are from Ad I’m sending a big hug)

…and now for the news from France:

Dear All
Just a line or two to say that Russ remained very alert all day. He waited until his Mum left the room and confided in Stuart that he wanted to get out of the hospital. Stuart said he is definitely planning an escape. Stuart had to explain that it wasn't a good idea and that he had to concentrate on getting better first!! He had another go at writing and this time was making bigger letters but because he couldn't properly see the paper he was writing on, it was difficult. He was very, very pleased to see Pia and Cliff. He really made great strides yesterday.
He may be tired this morning or he may surprise us. I'll let you all know later today.
With love
Jenni x

…and a little bit more later today:

Hello everyone
Russ has had a good morning. He is more tired than yesterday but very calm and peaceful and interested in any news we have for him. At 6.00 this evening he is having a component, like a balloon, deflated from the tracheotomy which will allow Russ to talk. We have been told his voice will sound different but so good for Russ to be able to communicate. He seems very happy with this news.
We are really looking forward to seeing Dani and the girls tonight and Russ just beamed when I told him they would be coming to see him in the morning.
So things are progressing!
Dear love to you all
X

Dear all
Just back from the hospital. Russ is very tired today and having a restful early evening. The nurse deflated the balloon as mentioned earlier today and then after half an hour they 
re- inflated it. I understand they will continue to do this.
Dani and the girls returns very soon which will be great. 
Russ gave us a few smiles when we talked to him which was heartwarming.
Love to you all
Jenni x

As Russ is starting to become a little more compis mentis over the next few days/weeks I thought it might be a good idea to start to record some other important events that have taken place in the last few days and the coming weeks.  Russ has basically been out of touch with the outside world now for over 3 weeks so hopefully he may find this useful to piece things together!  (Russ – I know you will laugh at this as I am the least current affairs orientated person in the family!…Perhaps I should just stick to the gossip or at worst the latest music?) 😀

Today has been a fantastically sunny day here in the UK and the whole country is working itself into a frenzy about tomorrow’s Wimbledon final with Murray v Djokovic.  Also very importantly in rugby Lions won the series in the final against Australia today.  Fingers crossed it will be a great day for British sport! 

Now for the followers;

News from my mum:

Dear all
Am writing this in the afternoon as Russ has been very alert this morning. The nurse told us that he had a good night and was better. He was trying to write things down for us but it was very difficult because of the position he is in. Stuart has been brilliant and so sensitive to Russ. We have devised a series of topics and also questions that Russ is asking. So far it has been successful. We understood he is missing Amber, wanting a drink and that his mouth and lips felt dry. This communication is good for Russ and much less frustrating.
He looks great and smiles quite a lot too.
All of us here feel very happy and privileged to be in his company. He is proving to be a real tough fighter.
More tomorrow
With love
Jenni x

Wonderful new, keep it going Russ! x

Until tomorrow…. xxxx

Some really good news that came in late last night:

Dear all
It's very late but here we go! What a great afternoon we have had. Russ has been very, very alert. Emma and Debbie spent some time with him and he was trying to say something and eventually he flapped his arms and they realised he was asking when they were flying home. He has been focusing on everyone and obviously been intently listening to conversations  with nurses etc. He has been squeezing hands very hard, winking at Debbie when she spoke French. He is also, quite obviously, going to be a complete nightmare for the nursing staff as he is busy removing the clip on his thumb and the pads on his chest and looking bloody cheeky about it too!
In all he is being a complete monkey today!!
Tonight, his brother Stuart arrived and his wife Mandy. Also his Auntie Wendy came. They all arrived quite late so he is in for a real invasion tomorrow. He may be sleepy in the morning as he is apt to be. But who knows! Today has been quite fabulous.
Well done Russ darling, you are a star!
Dearest love as always
Jenni xxxx

The Welsh contingency is now in Toulon roaring Russell on.  Aunty Wendy, Stuart and Mandy, together with Bob and Di have been keeping Russ company today.

Dear All
It has been a busy day with Russ very alert this afternoon. He was sleepy this morning and tired which perhaps we expected as he had such an eventful day yesterday. This afternoon he had the TV on and seemed to watch a little tennis. Bob and Stuart told him the team for the lions tomorrow and he seemed very interested. So another positive day.
More news tomorrow.
Dear Love to you al
Jenni x

Dani has returned to London with Amber today to collect Lily,  She will be in London for 3 nights and then Amber, Dani and Lilster will return to Toulon.  Meanwhile Bob and Di, Russ's brother Stuart, my mum and Dan and Russ's friends Emma and Debbie remain.

Hi to you all
Not a great deal to report. Russ is having a quiet day. He had another x'ray this morning which I guess was for his chest. I haven't actually seen him but I believe he has opened his eyes a little and lifted an arm.
Apparently, two days ago when Dani told Russ that Emma and Debbie were coming he mouthed 'when'! 
Dani has gone back to London with Amber. It will be so good for her to have a break. She continues to be just so courageous and is still thinking how she can make others' lives comfortable. I am in awe. She will be able to see Lily at last and bring her to Toulon on Sunday.
It is still late afternoon here and I shall return to the hospital shortly. I'll write again late this evening if there is any noticeable change. If you don't hear again today,things will be remaining calm and stable.
With love as always
Jenni x

and then a little later....

PS
Have just had a text from Bob at the hospital saying " Most animated Russ has been. Smiled, squeezed both our hands, massive improvement , definitely going places".
Thought you'd all love to receive this!
Xxxxx

Hi all, so sorry for the late update….. Maman Jenni has been a little delayed with her email!

Good evening
Russ has had a sleepy day today. The nurse told us that because he had a chest infection he was very tired, so a quieter day today, quieter than yesterday. He woke up a couple of times. Chrissie left today and Emma and Debbie arrived and he opened his eyes when they were with him.
So not more to tell. Will write again tomorrow.
Love to you all.
Jenni x

Message from Jenni:

Dear all
Am writing this in the afternoon having seen Russ this morning. Russ was very wide awake today and was trying to talk. I felt very sad that we couldn't understand what he was saying but we tried to reassure him that there is no rush and that in time he will be able to talk to us. I felt he was a little frustrated. However, saying that, he was very smiley and it was so lovely to see his face light up and his eyes look sparkly.The nurses were saying that he is more tired in the morning than the evening and I have to agree that that seems to be the case.
I noticed whilst I was holding his hand that both his hands seem to have lost their puffiness and are back to their slender selves.
It did seem like another tiny step in the right direction and we are hoping that eventually with these tiny steps he will complete his marathon.
With love as always
Jenni x 

and a little bit more:

Dear all
Here we go. Russ had a quiet day and appeared tired although we did have some smiles and attempts at talking. Dani went in to say goodnight and met up with Daniel, the nurse who has been looking after Russ a great deal. He was very informative and able to answer many questions posed by Danielle.
It appears he still has a lung infection and they are introducing a new antibiotic. It will take a few days to kick in and then he should become less reliant on the ventilator. When he comes off the ventilator he will then be given pure oxygen and when that happens they can remove some components of the tracheotomy which will enable him to be able to talk in time.
Apparently the Doctor did an electrical activity test. It showed that when Russ was conscious he had full cognitive function but he lapses into unconsciousness. Dani was told that this could be the way that Russ' energy was channelled to mend his injuries OR, sometimes the effect of receiving muscle blocks. If the latter, one can test for this and reverse the condition.
So another tiny step again today. Along with the smiles and attempt to communicate it has been a rewarding day.
Goodnight to you all and love
Jenni x


And a little bit more from Melissa;


Russ's hemoglobin levels are very low which probably explains most of the above lapsing into unconsciousness.  The difficulty in talking is caused by the 'relearning' of how to speak whilst the trachotomy is in place.  As we talk we use the air we are breathing in and out to make sounds as it passes over our vocal chords.  With the tracheotmoy the air is not passing over the vocal chords but soon Russ will find a way to change how he directs his air and he will learn to speak with the tracheotomy.  This is obviously only a temporary step.


xxxx
	

Some Messages for Russ:

Sonia Marquardt

Hi,

Can't wait to see you in those fetching sequenced pink shorts, St Tropez tan and a glass of Prosecco swaying in your hand. Warm kisses from Eaves....xxxx 

Esmond Kensington

Russ and Dani, we're thinking of you and willing you on. Much love from Es and Jac, and a special hug from Natasha and Max to Amber and Lilly.
Blair Hunter

Hi there

I have been reading your blog daily as I am sure many people have. I am not a close friend of Russ's but know him through Speccy's and from skiing. I was so shocked to hear of his accident. It seems inconceivable that someone known for being so full of life and vitality should be in that situation. My thoughts are with you and all his close family and friends who are having to deal with this terrible situation. Please do let Russ know I was asking for him once he is in a position to know what is happening around him.

My very best wishes to you all

Blair Hunter


Mac

Hey
 Russ! I've been following your incredible progress on Melissa's blog. 
Im am certain  all your messages of support allude to your undoubted 
superhuman physical and mental strength, so i wont blow smoke up your 
arse. You are however a total one off, and as the machines confirm, you 
are officially the first ever Welshman to have full cognitive brain 
function !

You and Danni are never out of my thoughts (sounds a bit gay if I don't include Danni in that bit). 


I know it's going to be your greatest challenge and a long and testing 
journey back (that's Toulon Ryanair for you, particularly if you travel 
with excess baggage..... or as you say-"Danni") but with your physical 
and mental fortitude and your lovely Danni and family by your side you 
will once again excel . 


Stay strong , 


Mac




David Ainsworth-Lay




Hi Russ, I was really shocked to hear that you were not very well, my thoughts are with you and those around you at this time. You have got to fight this through and win, I know you can, I need you as my second in command for Hearcare  Get well and be back soon. David Ainsworth-Lay



Rebecca Leach


Melissa, thank-you so much for this blog, we have been 
following it every day and it is good to hear of the progress Russ is 
making step by step. 





Russ
 and Dani you have been uppermost in our thoughts every single day and 
we are sending all of our positive thoughts to you - willing on Russ's 
recovery.  You are showing amazing strength.





With much love Rebecca and Rob Leach xx(and a special hug to Lily and Amber from Daisy xx)






Sally Torkington






Hi Russ




I am thinking of you all the time.  It’s just another marathon in your 
life which you are going to win as you have so much strength.  Too much 
for me to keep up with on the skiing holidays but I always had just 
enough  strength to keep up with you in the bar!




All I can think of is laughing with you every time we meet and my lasting 
vision of you in fancy dress as Rose West!  Spinning me above your head 
at my 40th is also an hilarious memory – I actually wasn’t scared at all!




We are all routing for you here and I can’t wait to see you very soon.




L Sally xxxx







Nicholas wilson




“Russ, great to witness, albeit from afar, that you are making such 
progress.  With hindsight and knowing the man I guess it was never in 
doubt that you would fight your way back. From the latest photos on the 
blog you still look fitter
 and slimmer than your big brother.  And that’s even after lying in bed 
for weeks eating the very best in French cuisine, albeit in liquid 
form.  Keep up the good work and very best wishes from here to you, 
Dani, your girls and, frankly, everyone who has been
 helping to nurse you back to good health. Nick.”