Window cleaner’s miracle recovery after ladder fall
Published: November 2, 2006
WINDOW cleaner Michael Cook has made a miraculous recovery after plunging 20ft from his ladder and suffering life-threatening head injuries.
The Bournemouth father-of-one was cleaning flat windows above a shop in Pokesdown when he fell off his ladder on September 27, hitting the back of his head on the pavement below.
“I can’t remember falling off the ladder. It was properly secured and I must have over-reached,” said Michael, who was in a coma for more than a fortnight in Southampton hospital’s neurological unit.
“My brain swelled up and I caught a chest infection which led to pneumonia. I was put on a life support machine and my family was told that my chances weren’t good. If I did survive I’d be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”
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But 29-year-old Michael proved the medics wrong and regained consciousness just days before his 29th birthday, leaving Southampton hospital on October 19.
He said: “I woke up and thought it had all been a really bad dream because I couldn’t remember anything about the fall.”
He is now making a good recovery at his home in Barrie Road, Moordown. Michael said: “I’ve been told I won’t be able to work for a while. I’m partially deaf in both ears but my long-term hearing won’t be affected.
“My jaw and shoulders are stiff but, despite what I was told, I’m walking again. The round-the-clock nursing care I received at Southampton hospital was brilliant and I am so grateful to the staff there who saved my life.”
As a thank-you, his work-mate Tim Balch, who was with Michael on the day of the accident, is organising a charity football match between Hythe and Dibden All Stars and Ex Saints on Sunday, November 5. The kick-off at Ewart recreation ground in Jones Lane, Hythe, will be at 2.30pm and all proceeds will go to the neurological unit at Southampton hospital.
Tim, who is the Hythe club coach, said: “The specialists at Southampton hospital were fantastic. They brought Michael back from the brink and deserve every accolade.
“George Burley and Saints have kindly donated a signed shirt and various items which will be auctioned after the match in the clubhouse. Refreshments and food will be provided.”
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