Supporting Jack's recovery from brain stem injury

On 14th October 2021, my nephew Jack Mills (age 14) was involved in a road traffic accident on Long Chaulden, Hemel Hemsptead. Jack was found in an unresponsive, critical condition by the paramedics that attended, put into an induced coma at the roadside and airlifted by the incredible Essex and Herts Air Ambulance https://www.ehaat.org/ who got him to The Royal London Hospital within 20 minutes.

Jack’s CT scan revealed a significant brain stem injury and a break to his right leg requiring metal rods and a skin graft. Soon after admission to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at The Royal London, Jack suffered a stroke. Sadly, our Jack will never fully recover from his brain injury and the family are being supported by the Child Brain Injury Trust https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/ to come to terms with this devastating news and to grieve for the Jack that has been lost.

His Mum and Dad, Caroline and Shaun have been at Jack’s bedside every day and night since the tragic accident, just waiting for their gorgeous boy to wake up. Jack’s twin brother Sam is waiting at home in Hemel Hempstead being supported by family and willing for his brother to come through the door so life can return to normal. And step-Mum Maria is supporting Jack’s two young sisters to understand why they haven’t seen their Jack. But this is going to be a very long road for Jack and for his family.

Caroline and Shaun now have to plan for facilitating the best possible life that Jack may be able to have going forward, and enabling his extensive rehabilitation.

Without a doubt, the outcomes for patients that can self-fund their rehabilitation are far greater than for those that cannot. So, I am reaching out to ask for your support with helping this devastated family with Jack’s rehabilitation and recovery. This will include years of rehabilitation at a specialist hospital in another county, intensive physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, specialist equipment, home adaptations, counselling, support for Sam and so very much more. Support is needed now and financing Jack's care is going to be on-going for years to come.

I know that Caroline, Shaun and Sam would be extremely touched and grateful for your kindness, support and generosity.

#bestrongjack

Footnote: The driver of the vehicle was later found to have not passed a driving test and did not have a driving license.