Stand with Martin

Melinda Swift Roberts is organizing this fundraiser.

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How quickly life can change forever! Through no fault of his own, within 48 hrs hours Martin went from being fit, active and healthy to not being able to move, swallow or breathe on his own.

On 14 July 2016 Martin Broad aged 39 devoted dad to 3 beautiful boys William 10 Lucas 7 and Spencer 5. Loving husband to Amanda, would be shockingly introduced to a life with this horrendous thing called GBS

Guillian-Barre syndrome ( GBS) is a rare and very serious auto immune disorder where the bodies immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system causing paralysis from head to toe. The syndrome can be triggered by a viral infection, Martin had the Gastro virus one week prior.

The onset of Martin's illness began when he experienced tingling pain and weakness in his feet and legs, it progressively got worse. Martin was admitted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle on 14th July 2016. With in 48 hours he was paralysed from the eyes down, Martin was admitted to ICU and was placed on life support as he was unable to breathe for himself.

Doctors described Martin's case as being one of the worst they have treated, it was life threatening. Martin had a tracheostomy for long-term ventilation and had a feeding tube placed into his stomach. He spent 4 and a half months on life support and remained paralysed, only able to blink his eyes to communicate.

November 23rd 2016, finally Martin was well enough to leave ICU. He could talk and breathe on his own, but was still paralysed from his neck down, he then was transferred to Rankin Park Rehabilitation hospital in Newcastle on November 30th 2016 to begin the very slow and hard process of recovery.

Today, 14 months since being admitted to hospital with his initial symptoms, Martin remains at Rankin Park hospital. He is still wheelchair-bound and is still unable to attend to the most basic of tasks, and functions that we take for granted. Doctors are unable to predict how long recovery will be and if Martin will ever recover. The reality is- he will likely be left with permanent disability, the extent of the disability is unknown.

We are hoping Martin will be able to come home very soon, however Martin will not be able to work and his family will face significant financial burden to cope with ongoing rehabilitation, home modifications and continuing care for Martin as he still requires full assistance with all activities of daily living.

Martin has been remarkable with his positive outlook and sheer determination. He has shown many what true resilience is, we are so proud of him and how far he has come. He is a true inspiration.

This has been a catastrophic event in Martin's life, the impact on Amanda and the boys has been unmeasurable.

Please consider donating whatever you can to help Martin, Amanda and the boys get through this most difficult time of their lives.
Martin and Amanda are very thankful for all the love and support that has already been shown.

Please help fund and support Martin in continuing his rehabilitation and care.

Let's help Martin stand again !!!

Early days in ICU, Martin loved going outside to Catch some rays- It took a team of hospital staff and over an hour of planning to do this. Martin and Amanda are forever grateful for the exceptional care they received while he was in ICU.