Gibbo

[Jewelz^]

Hi Guys,

I wanted to share an update about our friend Gibbo, who's had a bit of a tough time recently. About 5 weeks ago, Gibbo was in a serious car accident that resulted in a broken neck and spine. He was taken to Kings Hospital from the scene and placed into an induced coma for a week. The doctors' initial thoughts were that he would be paralyzed from the neck down.

After two neck surgeries — to add plates to the front and back of his neck and spine — Gibbo was woken from his coma. Thankfully, he has some upper body movement and it's now thought he will be paralyzed from the waist down instead. It's been a tough few weeks. There was even talk of making him comfortable until he passed if he couldn't breathe on his own. Thankfully, Gibbo proved strong enough to breathe on his own, even if only for short periods at a time.

He's still in ICU and has a long road ahead — I don't think he's quite out of the woods yet, but he's definitely getting there. Gibbo has already been through so much, including being resuscitated twice: once on the way to Kings, and then again about two weeks later following cardiac arrest. Luckily, he has a fantastic network of family and friends supporting him through this. He was moved down to Margate Hospital last week — still in ICU, but much closer to home. I've visited him twice since he's been in Margate, and both times he's been his usual upbeat, cheeky self. Yesterday, we had a good couple of hours just chatting and having a laugh, which really lifted both our spirits.

Gibbo has everything he needs at the moment, I've been chatting to the council and I think it would be really nice to organise a collection from us to get him something special down the line — we all know Gibbo won't appreciate flowers.

Let's send some good vibes Gibbo's way and I'll keep you all posted and best I can — he's a fighter and we're all behind him.

Jewelz

[Evilntwisted]

He has not been far from my thoughts since I heard what had happened. I am pleased he is fighter and doing the best he can under the circumstances. Sending love Gibbo.

[BrotherTobious]

Thinking of him and the family such a terrible thing to  happen.  But glad to see he is fighting hard. All the love mate

[Chaosphere]

Thanks for the update jewelz. Let's hope he continues to head in the right direction. Nothing but love for the guy.

When the time is right we'll do something to show him some dMw love, keep us posted.

[Mikep1212]

Sending love to Gibbo and his family. Wishing him all the best in his recovery.

[Jamoe]

Others have said it all, just sending my love and hopes for the best recovery possible. x

[Penfold]

Oh crap.

Just seeing this for the first time and that's awful.

So, so sorry to hear this and please send on my best wishes to him. He's a fantastic guy and really doesn't deserve this crap-fest. :-(

Please keep us in the loop and I hope for the best possible of outcomes for him.

[TeaLeaf]

Really shocked to see this news and hope that his recovery continues to the best possible extent. My thoughts and prayers go to him and his family.

Please keep us posted with updates and any plans.

[Jewelz^]

Hi guys,

It's been just over five weeks since I shared the first update about Gibbo's accident, and I'm really happy to say he's been making steady improvements every single week.

I've been visiting him regularly — every week since that first post — and it's been incredible to see the changes. He no longer needs the feeding tube through his nose and is now eating and drinking well on his own. He's also no longer 100% reliant on his ventilator, which is a huge step forward.

He's been making small but meaningful gains in movement too. Last week, he managed to pinch his thumb and finger together — something that might sound small, but in reality, pretty massive. Even more encouraging, he's been getting spasms in his legs and often complains of a "numb bum" which, whilst funny, and we laugh about it, is actually a very good sign. His neurologist, who has 19 years of experience, told his mum that he might walk again one day — something we never thought we'd hear, especially after what the neurosurgeon in Kings initially said.

Every time I've seen Gibbo, he's been so positive and full of that cheeky energy we all know and love. Yesterday he told me his trachy can come out in about 3 weeks and he's hoping that means he'll finally be out of his special room in ICU and be able to see his daughter.

It honestly feels like he's nearly out of the woods now and he can start focusing on building back his strength and movement. There's still a long road ahead, but the direction is finally starting to feel hopeful.

Thank you all for the love, messages, and good vibes you've sent Gibbo's way — they're working. I'll keep you posted with more updates as he continues to defy the odds.

Cheers guys, J

[Gunda]

awesome news, please do send him our best wishes!

[Chaosphere]

Wonderful to read. Tell him I look forward to seeing him at a LAN down the road.

Thanks for the updates mate.

[SithAfrikaan]

So good to read that Jewelz omg, all the best to Gibbo and fam man!

[Evilntwisted]

This is a such a positive update, I am so please to read its going in the right direction but it will be a long road.

[Penfold]

Yes, sounds really positive. Fingers and heart crossed.

[smilodon]

Outstanding news, wish him all the very best.