Our Son Andy

Andy is the second of our three very precious children who, along with his sister Tina and brother Paul, was born and grew up in Burscough. In 2002 he qualified as a dentist at Birmingham University, the first person with dyslexia ever to do so. Since then he has worked for the NHS in general dental practice and a drop in centre. He has also worked as a clinical lecturer, a post-graduate trainer and an advisor for training (the youngest person in the country to hold such a post) an intelligent, dedicated health professional.

In 2008 he married Emma, his beautiful soul-mate, who has worked alongside him through the church with young people, many of whom were facing difficulties in their lives. We believed at the time that God had great plans for them as a couple to bring the message of hope in Jesus and God’s love to those around them. We could never have imagined what that would mean in reality.

 On Tuesday 1^st November 2011 Andy suffered a devastating brain stem stroke which left him totally paralysed, unable to move any part of his body or communicate, other than blinking his eyes. His brain was unable to regulate vital organs and body systems including heart, respiration, blood pressure and body temperature, but his intellect, reasoning and personality were completely unaffected. He was in ICU, on life support, for 6 days then moved to a high dependency unit where his condition remained critical for a further 4 weeks.

We were told that if Andy survived he would be left with ‘Locked in Syndrome’ which would leave him unable to communicate or move with no prospect of any independent life.

 We have never accepted this prognosis and told the specialists that although they could give us little hope we believe in The God of hope who loves us and wants the best for us, healing and forgiving us and giving us peace. We believed from the start that Andrew would fight and overcome this horrible illness in that we know he is so strong– physically, mentally and more importantly spiritually. Andrew is a man of great faith who has lived out his faith in serving God and helping others with all that he has and in as many ways as he can.

 Within days of us asking for prayers for Andy and Emma there were messages of hope, reassurance, love and prayers coming from around the world, not only from people who know Andy but many 1,000s of others who were moved by his story.  The therapists have done incredible work with Andy, dedicated to helping him achieve his goals to walk, talk and use his hands again.  We have met some inspirational people; other patients and their families who are bravely battling with disabling neurological disorders and also being supported by stroke fighters like Kate Allatt who is always available to give advice and encouragement.  

 Today Andy’s condition is stable and he is gradually and slowly regaining strength and movement, learning to sit, stand, walk and talk again. He has been able to have home visits at weekends and even stayed overnight last weekend.  He and Emma have a long road ahead of them but Andy now has funding for 8 more weeks rehabilitation at Moseley Hall – thank God for answered prayers in this.

God has done amazing things in all our lives as we as a family has been so greatly blessed in so many ways. There have been times when Andy has been tormented by doubts and struggling to fight on and each one of us despaired; but always, just at the right time a word of encouragement and hope comes and lifts us up. We have this blessed assurance that Andy is held safely and securely in God’s loving hands and that Jesus lives in his heart.

Many people have told us how their lives have been changed and their faith renewed by either meeting Andy and Emma or hearing their story. We are truly humbled that so many of you concerned for us have immense problems and are dealing with devastating health issues of your own. We think of you and pray that you will be encouraged and know the love and power of God in your lives as you trust in him. Thank you for your continued and faithful prayers – rejoice and believe – God answers prayers. We hold on to the promise of Jesus, ‘…. with God all things are possible.’

Barbara and Trevor (Mum and Dad)

‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint.’   (Isaiah 40: 30-31)