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On 2nd May 2015, myself and two friends are taking part in the "Tough Mudder" obstacle race in Henley.  Having become a bigger fan of fitness over the last year or so, I decided to set myself the challenge of completing this race in memory of my friend, Phil Bateman.  Phil is my dear friend Helen's husband and Father of their two beautiful sons, Luke and Louie.

 

Three weeks before his death, Phil began to suffer from headaches at home, and after his symptoms worsened, was taken to our local hospital.  Whilst here, tests revealed that Phil was suffering from fluid on the brain but it could not be determined as to why.  His condition rapidly deteriorated and he was immediately taken to King's College Hospital, (KCH), where he was placed into a medically induced coma.  He remained in the Surgical Critical Care Unit at KCH for approximately three weeks in a non conscious state.  Helen, along with hers and Phil's families, stayed with him everyday, talking to him, playing music and videos of Luke and Louie, who were 1 and 3 at the time, which prompted positive responses from Phil, by way of raising his eyebrows and even opening his eyes.

 

However, further tests revealed that the fluid on Phil's brain was caused by a tumour, but due to his poor neurological condition, it was untreatable until it was known if Phil could wake up.  During his last week in hospital, the drain removing this fluid became dislodged, causing a build up of fluid again, resulting in severe brain damage, preventing Phil from even breathing for himself.

 

Phil tragically died at 2300 hours on 19th November 2012.

 

He would have been 40 on 8th September this year, so this race and any money I can raise is my present to him, Helen, Luke and Louie.  Phil remains in everybody's thoughts and hearts, every minute of everyday.  Each of these minutes is extremely difficult, but Helen and the boys are a credit to him and ensure that he will always be remembered and loved.

 

I hope that Phil will be watching (and probably laughing) whilst I make some sort of attempt to complete the race, and if you don't fancy coming to watch and laugh at me yourselves, please could I ask you to donate anything you are willing to towards this fantastic charity, chosen by Helen, in memory of Phil.

 

Happy 40th Birthday Phil.

 

Laura