Dad reunited with kids after becoming paralysed

A “FIT and healthy” man who became paralysed from the chest down and spent months in hospital is set to finally be reunited with his family.

Alan Kinnear’s life changed last September when a rogue blood clot went into his spinal column and within three days his legs had stopped working.

The former runner, who has been receiving treatment in Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, is now in a wheelchair and has only been able to speak to his wife Morag and young sons, Murray, three, and five-year-old Ewan, online or through a window.

Speaking of his life-changing illness, the 43-year-old said: “It was brutal. They told me the damage had been done.

“That was it, I had a spinal stroke and was paralysed from the chest down.”

The Cathcart man added: “The psychological damage from an injury like mine is as bad as the physical.

“Obviously, the staff in here are great and they all have positive attitudes and they really helped me to get through the days sometimes. But not having your family, not having that support, can be just devastating.

“You’ve had no physical contact with your loved ones. That is really, really hard to take.

You really miss not having it.”

Now, Alan can look forward to being reunited with his family with restrictions on visiting beginning to ease in the South Side ward.

“I expect it will be emotional for us,” Morag said. “But will help to prepare for him coming home in May.

“We have been able to visit Alan at the window which has helped me and the boys to get used to seeing him in a wheelchair and spend time with him, but it’s been really hard to support and comfort him.

“I can’t wait to see him and plan for him coming home soon.”

Alan added: “What you really miss is just hugs.

“With the kids you’re always hugging them and they are always hugging you and for months that just stopped – I really can’t wait for that first cuddle.”

Senior charge nurse, Helena Richmond, said: “It’s been a difficult balance and staff have worked so hard to keep our patients as safe as possible.

“Our patients have been incredible too. Many of them are here for three to six months or even longer and they have all sustained life changing injuries.

“Although patients have faced those challenges without having visitors, the multidisciplinary ward team have provided full care and attention during this time supporting both patients and families.”