Dear me...
Paul was left with catastrophic, life-changing injuries during the Manchester Arena bombing. His partner Elaine, who had been stood beside him in the foyer as they waited to collect his daughter, died at the scene. Paul spent nine months in hospital, and many years recovering. Now, as a Day One volunteer, Paul is helping ensure others like him don’t have to rebuild their life on their own.
Dear Paul,
I am so sorry that this has happened to you.
And I know that right now, you can't see a future without your Elaine.
You have awoken after two weeks in a coma to find yourself in an ICU, bed-bound with life-changing injuries, while trying to come to terms with the news that the love of your life, Elaine, was killed.
You never thought that you could ever feel so low and lost. You would rather be dead than live a life in constant pain, disabled and forever heartbroken.
But from somewhere, you will find the strength to stand up, learn to walk, speak, eat, bathe and dress yourself again. And ultimately, live independently again.
All the things that you are currently being told you will never do.
So, I am telling you Paul, stand up, you've got to fight. This is a temporary feeling, not like suicide.
It's like a war in your head, but you're stronger than you think. You'll be alright. Better days will come to light.
And the overwhelming pain of losing Elaine WILL ease.
And her memory will be a blessing.
Paul
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