Heartbreak as dad will never walk again after going to toilet during anniversary party – Express

During anniversary celebrations with his wife Donna in August 2020, Mr Johnson suffered a fall down the stairs which resulted in him being unable to feel his body.

Aged 57 at the time, Mr Johnson was rushed to hospital and kept in intensive care for two weeks, where it was discovered that he had broken his spinal cord at his C3 vertebrae.

Doctors worked for two hours to clear his chest as he was also suffering from a collapsed lung and pneumonia.

Mr Johnsons wife Donna, was told by doctors to avoid sharing the extent of his injuries with her husband

She said: "They told me and my daughter he would never walk again.

"They didn't want to tell Keith because they thought hed have just given up and wouldn't have kept on fighting."

The dad of four is now suffering from injuries that affect his mobility, meaning he is unable to pick up a cup despite having a fit and healthy lifestyle while working as a cleaner at Teesport prior to his accident.

As a result of the incident, Mr Johnson has revealed that he has suffered from suicidal thoughts, and is embarrassed about the helpless situation he has found himself in.

He has relied on his family to see him through, with the thought of seeing his grandchild, nine-week-old Beau, being among the things which help keep Keiths spirits raised.

The couple are fighting for more physiotherapy for Keith, and are appealing for an extension to be made to their home in Farndale Walk to accommodate Keith's condition since being told by consultants that he will never walk again.

The use of their two-bedroomed house was adapted after Keiths accident. With only a kitchen and living room downstairs, the living room has been repurposed as Keiths room.

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The request has had its setbacks though, as Mrs Johnson claims the process wasn't started until March this year and the pair are frustrated by the delay.

At present the only alterations that have been made to accommodate Keith are the installation of a ceiling hoist and a ramp at the rear, but Donna says they desperately need an extension.

When commenting on the delay Keith said: A year down the line there has been times when it feels like I have only just had the accidentwe are no further forward. Nothing has happened.

"It can't go on like this, it causes stress for the family.

There is hope for the family though, with a spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council commenting: "All our sympathies are very much with this family and our officers are committed to working with them to move this situation forward as quickly as possible.

"Unfortunately, the long term solutions being considered can take a significant amount of time to resolve, such as designing the preferred solution, seeking planning permission and then undertaking the building works.

"We understand the urgency of this situation and will continue to work with this family and everyone else concerned to ensure a satisfactory outcome as soon as possible".

Samaritans (116 123) or email jo@samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year for those struggling.

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Heartbreak as dad will never walk again after going to toilet during anniversary party - Express