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21 June 2020
Happy Fathers Day! Jonny's Story
Happy Fathers Day to every single one of the many amazing Dads that Blesma supports, and to those that support Blesma!
Jonny Holloway was on duty in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was travelling in drove over an improvised explosive Device.
“My fellow soldiers got me to safety but the blast had mangled my leg and had given me a brain injury, It has affected my short-term memory and concentration, and it damaged my right eye to such an extent that I can no longer see out of it. I’m doing ok now, I still have days when I struggle, but I know that I would be in worse place if it wasn’t for Blesma. After my amputation, Blesma was instrumental in my rehabilitation. Having someone on the end of the phone who can offer support is so important too.”
He has since gone on to have a young family. However When Jonny’s left leg was amputated below the knee in 2016, his home was unfit for a wheelchair.
“I work full time and am standing up all day. When I get home, I want to take my prosthetic off and rest my leg for the next day, but I couldn’t use my wheelchair around the house, and I wasn’t much help using crutches. It was difficult.”
Eager to help his wife Lauren look after their three year old daughter, Amalie, and newborn son, Maverick, Jonny turned to Blesma and the Association spearheaded a project to revamp the Holloways’ house and garden. Now, housing adaptations funded by Blesma and several charities are enabling Jonny to fulfil his role as a young dad.
Jonny said: “The adaptations have been discreetly but effectively done, which is great for me being in my late twenties. It was incredibly reassuring to know the work would be done in time for the arrival of baby number two. It means I can get around the house with ease which has made all our lives easier!
“Without Kev Long, my Support Officer, the adaptations would have taken much longer. Kev and Blesma played a vital part throughout the process, helping with all sorts of building and funding issues".
Jonny Holloway was on duty in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was travelling in drove over an improvised explosive Device.
“My fellow soldiers got me to safety but the blast had mangled my leg and had given me a brain injury, It has affected my short-term memory and concentration, and it damaged my right eye to such an extent that I can no longer see out of it. I’m doing ok now, I still have days when I struggle, but I know that I would be in worse place if it wasn’t for Blesma. After my amputation, Blesma was instrumental in my rehabilitation. Having someone on the end of the phone who can offer support is so important too.”
He has since gone on to have a young family. However When Jonny’s left leg was amputated below the knee in 2016, his home was unfit for a wheelchair.
“I work full time and am standing up all day. When I get home, I want to take my prosthetic off and rest my leg for the next day, but I couldn’t use my wheelchair around the house, and I wasn’t much help using crutches. It was difficult.”
Eager to help his wife Lauren look after their three year old daughter, Amalie, and newborn son, Maverick, Jonny turned to Blesma and the Association spearheaded a project to revamp the Holloways’ house and garden. Now, housing adaptations funded by Blesma and several charities are enabling Jonny to fulfil his role as a young dad.
Jonny said: “The adaptations have been discreetly but effectively done, which is great for me being in my late twenties. It was incredibly reassuring to know the work would be done in time for the arrival of baby number two. It means I can get around the house with ease which has made all our lives easier!
“Without Kev Long, my Support Officer, the adaptations would have taken much longer. Kev and Blesma played a vital part throughout the process, helping with all sorts of building and funding issues".
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