In 2021, our friend and colleague, Cpl Andy Layton of Number II(AC) Squadron, Royal Air Force suffered a sudden, severe bleed on the brain, which has changed both his and his family's lives forever.

Andy was rushed to hospital on 11th May 2021 with Blindness, Tachycardia and Breathlessness. He was diagnosed with a severe bleed on the brain and promptly transferred to Aberdeen to remove the blood. His wife, Helen was told that it was a catastrophic brain haemorrhage, affecting his brain stem. Andy couldn’t breathe on his own and needed ventilator support via tracheostomy for 7 weeks. After eventually being weaned off the ventilator, Andy still required his tracheostomy to protect his throat as he was found to have no way of protecting his airway through lack of function in his throat. Due to the level of nerve damage, nobody was sure what sort of function would return on its own and they were advised to wait at least a year to see what progress was made.

Andy and his wife Helen welcomed their daughter Lyra into the world in November 2021.

Andy remained in hospital until January 2022, where he was transferred into rehab for 6 months. Whilst at rehab, many treatments were tried to help Andy regain the function of his throat, which would allow him to swallow. Unfortunately, the damage was too severe, and Andy was unable to gain much control of his throat. Whilst at rehab, Helen researched other methods to see if there was anything else that they could try. Phagenyx was a treatment which kept popping up in helping people regain swallow function. After finding SCVS in Preston, who offer it privately out-with an NHS trust, they proceeded with the treatment in July 2022 using their own savings to fund the treatment. Post treatment, Andy regained more control of his vocal cords and had his reflex cough and sensation return. He was also able to swallow successfully. Unfortunately, due to a lack of support post treatment, Andy has lost his swallow function again. Andy and Helen have the option to receive a further round of treatment, however, it comes at a large cost, which they cannot afford now that Andy has been discharged from the RAF. This final time should help Andy’s nerves make a more successful connection to the muscles in his throat allowing him better control.

His II(AC) Sqn family are currently deployed overseas throughout the Christmas period and are planning a series of fundraising events in the hope that the funds raised will cover the cost of Andy’s life changing treatment.

Andy gave a large portion of his life, serving his country with pride, receiving several commendations for distinguished service. Now it’s our turn to repay him for his service. If you can spare any cash to help him to live a better life, then please donate to this page.

Thank you.