UPDATE 06/06/22 

Dear all, I wanted to post an update for those of you who very kindly donated to Dad's fund last year, but who may not have heard the sad news. Our hero Dad/husband passed away in December 2021. He fought courageously throughout his 15+ months in hospital but complications of the spinal surgeries also led to severe lung infection and his heart to fail. We are so grateful to the NHS teams at Southampton & Salisbury and to Rowans Hospice for helping him as best they could.

And of course, to Aspire - the spinal charity, for their support to Dad (and us) during the last few years. Aspire received a percentage of your donations which goes towards their brilliant work in supporting others with life changing spinal injuries. 

Your get well messages and donations gave Dad a real boost and the hope he needed at the time. The money you donated contributed towards the disabled adaptions to the house, including a downstairs bedroom and bathroom. The builder did an incredible job at making sure it was all perfect for Dad's needs.

When Dad passed away, the money that had been reserved for his mobility equipment was used to purchase a Memorial Bench along Hill Head seafront, which was installed a month ago and has given us a place of peace and reflection to remember Dad before his injury: Strolling across the beach taking countless sunset photos, his endless wit & puns, that infectious laugh, his unfailing love of family, friends & Man U, his business mind & leadership, creativity and not forgetting his faith.

The unspent donations also contributed towards his funeral and for a new front path once the disability lift was removed. Mum is very grateful for the help it has provided in putting the house right again. 

We are heartbroken Dad never got to make it home, but he did at least make it to Rowan's hospice and was able to spend quality time with us in a homely environment.

THANK YOU ALL so much for your kindness and support of Dad (and us)

Rachael, Darren, Jan and all the family  xxxxxx

26/5/21  Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On the 18^{th of} September 2020, our world was rocked when our wonderful Dad/Grandpa/Husband, Rob Steel, suffered a spinal cord injury during spinal surgery; leaving him paralysed from the waist down. Over the coming weeks and months in hospital, it became apparent that being unable to walk was the tip of the iceberg. His paralysis led to many other medical challenges, which none of us could have imagined prior: Pneumonia and lung damage required breathing aids and drainage over several months. Bowel and bladder function was (and remains) an ongoing battle and agonizing spasms (caused by signals unable to reach his brain) wreak havoc on his body, keeping him awake at night.

Dad was transferred to the brilliant Duke of Cornwall Spinal Centre (Salisbury Hospital) in November to begin his rehabilitation and is expected to remain there for several more months. Since there, he has had two heart attacks requiring stents and his mental health has fluctuated – made worse by the pandemic and not being able to see his family, until last month.

Dad is desperate to return home and is working hard on his rehabilitation, learning to adapt to wheelchair use and developing skills to help him lead as independent life as possible. He is still plagued by spasms, bowel difficulties and chronic tiredness (to name just a few) but is determined to persevere. On good days he brightens up the ward with his brilliant sense of humour and he has been a huge emotional support to many of the other spinal rehabilitation
patients, despite his own problems. We could not be more proud.

The Occupational Therapist has assessed my parent’s home which needs adapting to Dad’s needs before he can return home and a plan has been approved. This includes building work to give Dad a bedroom downstairs with an adjoining wet room. He also needs specialist equipment to aid his mobility and for exercise; vital for keeping him supple and alleviating the pain and discomfort he battles, particularly at night. We also want to organise services such as hydrotherapy with a physiotherapist - proven to support muscle strength, circulation and reduce spasticity.

As you can imagine, having a disability of this nature and everything that is required is hugely expensive and Dad was also made redundant during the pandemic.  It is difficult to ask for help, but we would be enormously grateful for any donations to help us get Dad home and support his long-term needs. Whatever you are able to give will really go towards making his life as comfortable and independent as possible.

Thank you for your love, support and generosity. It means a great deal to us all.

Rachael (Rob’s daughter) 

Note on donating: All donations for Dad will be received by Aspire – a national spinal cord injury charity who will help manage Dad’s fund. As a charity, Aspire will claim any Gift Aid on our behalf, meaning Gift Aid donations will go even further in supporting Dad. Aspire will receive a percentage of the total fund, allowing them to continue their vital services in supporting Dad and others like him.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving -they never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will send your money directly to the Aspire.  

For further info or to get in touch please email rachaelbutler@googlemail.com