A MUM-to-be from Leamington is fundraising to help her paralysed husband get back his independence before their baby is born.
Poppy Watson is aiming to raise £8,000 to buy husband Liam the necessary equipment to make him as independent as possible after he suffered a spontaneous epidural hematoma earlier this year.
This is a rare, critical medical emergency that occurs when blood rapidly collects in the epidural space, compressing the spinal cord. Immediate diagnosis and surgical decompression are required to prevent permanent paralysis or life-threatening neurological damage.
Twenty-nine year-old Liam’s spinal cord was crushed between vertebrae, leaving him paralysed from the top of the chest down. That night he had surgery to drain the blood from his spine, but this was a preventative measure and he has not regained any function.
Around a week after this, Poppy found out she was pregnant after a miscarriage in December. It came as a complete miracle to the couple as due to Liam’s paralysis it is unlikely they will be able to have children naturally again.
Poppy is now 25 weeks pregnant with their son and the pregnancy is going well, but navigating life after Liam’s recent discharge has been much harder than expected, especially as he has had to give up his work in construction.
She explained: “Liam was self employed at the time of injury and I am a teacher, however with just my wage alone it is not possible to fund a lot of the equipment he will need to be independent as a father.
“Liam is the kindest, best man i could ever have imagined having the pleasure of marrying. He is going to make the most fantastic father to our little boy which is why I am fundraising. We are looking at tricycles.
“The fundraiser money will go to a power attachment which will allow Liam to go off pavements, up steep hills and protect his shoulders.
“It will likely allow him to do simple things like join in on walks with the family, and go places more independently.
“It will also help fund off road wheels to go on woodland walks, accessible baby equipment and hopefully access to a gym that is tailored to disabilities such as his.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/a-dad-to-be-become-independent-after-a-spinal-cord-injury to donate.
