Support George after Anaphylaxis and Hypoxic Brain Injury

*UPDATED AS OF 21/04/2025*

On the evening of Friday 20th September 2024, our gorgeous George had a severe allergic reaction to nuts, enduring anaphylaxis and going into cardiac arrest.

George received CPR at his home in South London before having further treatment from paramedics and being taken to hospital. After his stay in ICU at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington, George was transferred to the ICU at Queen's Hospital in Romford. George's family were given little hope; he became dangerously underweight and received no therapy. But George continued to show resilience and after much campaigning, he was moved to the Regional Hyper-acute Rehabilitation Unit at Northwick Park in October 2024.

Upon his relocation, George's health initially improved somewhat, but the rollercoaster continued. Shortly after our family spent Christmas at his bedside, we were told George's health was rapidly declining and he had less than a week to live. We did not leave George's side for one minute; his friends and peers all came to visit him to share their love and say their farewells - but once again, George defied the odds and repudiated his prognosis. George's tenacity, strength, bravery, and determination once again prevailed - and his hair looked amazing throughout.

After George's condition had been somewhat stabilised, in March 2025, he was moved to the nursing home at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability in Putney. At present, George remains in a minimally conscious state. The extent of George's brain damage is profound, and the impact has and will continue to be life-changing for George and our family. The road ahead will be long, challenging, and full of uncertainties. It is still early days, and due to the nature of the brain injury, we do not know what level of recovery George will achieve. George will not be receiving any therapy through the NHS that will help him progress in his recovery - only 'maintenance' therapy to prevent his regression. George turned 25 years old 6 months ago, and has defied all the odds by proving medical professionals wrong numerous of times. He is still with us, and he deserves to have an opportunity to show us what he's got.

Despite the level of pain the brain damage and neuro-storming causes George every day, he still finds opportunities to laugh and engage with his family. Speaking as George's older sister, I cannot tell you how heart-warming it is to see him laugh. It is impossible to find words that do justice to describe George's beauty, kindness and wit; although his jawline and cheekbones are something to be marvelled at, his brain is absolutely his best asset. Two weeks before his accident, George graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Urban Planning, Design and Management BSc from UCL, due to start a MSc in Urban Design and City Planning. His perseverance and integrity is truly unapparelled.

How can you help?

George's family have always been aware of how outrageously kind and beautiful a person he is, but we were not aware of the impact he has made on so many people's lives. People from across the globe have been in touch offering George their love and well wishes - thank you so much.

While it is certain that George will be living in a specialist-care facility from now on, we hope that we can help him thrive and facilitate the best quality of life possible for George.

George will only have the opportunity to progress if he is able to receive therapeutic services, which will not be provided by the NHS. Hence, this fundraiser will be used to provide such therapy. George cannot speak, eat or move without intense therapy. At present, we have been quoted the following:

Osteopath - £85 p/h

Physiotherapy - £150 p/h

Speech & Language Therapy - £300 p/h

As we all know, George is a man of culture and exceptional taste -brain stimulation through all senses are integral to recovery of this kind of injury. Not only that, but to ensure the best quality of life for George, any life-enhancing activities for my little brother are important as well. This can range from visiting our family home to see his dog, Buttercup, to attending local art galleries and exhibitions. This will all be facilitated though the provision of expertise and equipment, i.e. wheelchairs, ambulance transportation, medical chaperones, etc.

George has been given the worst prognosis time and time again, but each time he has pulled through. My little brother deserves the opportunity to become stronger, and cannot do that without the love and support of his family, friends and peers. Any support George can get will directly contribute towards the specialist care he needs to increase the chances of a stronger recovery.

About George

From the age of 4, I prayed for a little brother. After three years of solid prayers and unsubtle hints to my parents, my prayers were answered, and George was born. His wit, intelligence and kindness were evident before he could walk. There is no one more unique and authentic than George. His ability to connect with everyone regardless of who they are or where they're from is one of George's most beautiful traits; he remembers the minor details of every story you tell him and makes you feel seen and heard. Now it is our turn to show George all the love, and support him as much as, and in any way we can.

We ask you to keep your love, well wishes, healing vibes and prayers coming. Any donations you are able to make are hugely appreciated by George's family. Thank you.

We're all rooting for you, Georgie. Keep going, darling xxxx