Leamington patient thanks hospital staff who got him back on his feet

Garry Townsend-Kennedy was a patient at the unit, which is based at Leamington Spa Hospital, after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome in June 2015.

The rare illness caused Garry to suddenly go from being an active, family man to re-learning basic life skills; with one of the most challenging being to walk again.

After spending three months at the specialist unit, Garry is now on the road to recovery and wanted to give something back to the unit that helped him get his life back.

In December 2016, Garry, along with family, friends and work colleagues took part in the Santa Dash around Draycote Water dressed in full Father Christmas regalia.

This was a particularly poignant experience for Garry as he has previously enjoyed taking part in the festive fundraiser prior to his illness and aspired to do it again.

Garry, who was wheelchair-bound until a year ago, said: “My recovery wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work, dedication and encouragement I received during my time at the Central England Brain Injury Unit.

A massive thank you to everyone that has supported me.”