The family of a County Durham dad who spent ten months in the hospital after having a devastating brain aneurysm is raising funds to allow him to "get his life back".
Jason Henderson was just 52 years old when an aneurysm in his brain burst in January 2023 - leaving his family's world turned upside down and the dad, from Tow Law, fighting for his life.
In the aftermath of the medical episode, in which he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke, Mr Henderson was paralysed on his right side and unable to walk, talk or swallow.
Initially taken to Newcastle RVI, before being moved to Walkergate, also in Newcastle, the 52-year-old spent ten months in the hospital, before he was released last month to return home to Tow Law.
According to Mr Henderson's stepdaughter, Paige Seymour, the strength and previous physical fitness of her stepdad has seen him do better than doctors thought he would.
But the emotional toll on the family is well documented.
Eleven months on from the medical ordeal, Jason has still been left with many deficits which he is determined to overcome - including getting back to his job as a dry liner.
Despite wanting to return to his career, which he loves, due to the fact he was previously self-employed before the aneurysm, he and his family have been left with few options but to turn to fundraising.
Jason's stepdaughter Paige said: "He's improving after a long wait for a hospital discharge. It's mentally and physically impacted him - he just wants his life back.
"He was so active in his work before, and it's impacted his mood - he just wants to be out and about.
"He is one of the most hardworking men on this planet and has paid into the system for 36 years and this is now our time of need."
As part of the fundraising mission that Jason's family are undertaking, they are trying to raise as much money as possible to pay for the £6000 a year bill for rehabilitation at Neuroactive near Chester-Le-Street.
But that's not the only strain on the family - while Jason was in hospital, his family, Jason's partner has been surviving on an income from a rented property.
They have had to rely on friends and family and have recently turned to local charities for food and energy vouchers.
Their reliance on Jason's support also stretched to him being the designated family member to drive - meaning that the family had to take a four-hour bus and train journey to see him in Newcastle while he was in hospital.
The family are looking to raise £3000 and has already raised over £2300 since setting up the GoFundMe page on November 30.
Jason's stepdaughter, Paige, added: "This has caused a lot of stress and upset for my Mam, which has been heartbreaking to see.
"Jason's mental health is being impacted massively by this.
"He wants to get his life back on track.
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"The community in Tow Law and beyond is incredible - it's a small community but massively charitable.
"If it hadn't been for some of the amazing friends they have so far, they literally wouldn't have managed, and I dread to think what situation they would be in now."
You can donate to Paige's fundraiser for Jason here.
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