Hero firefighter defies the odds
A WEST London firefighter and veteran for the British commandos has made a ‘miracle’ recovery after being told he would never walk again.
Despite his against-the-odds recovery, Garry Curtis still has a long way to go and is awaiting reconstructive surgery on his skull following swelling of his brain.
He suffered a stroke in August 2021 and was told by doctors that he probably wouldn’t survive. They explained that if Garry was to recover he would likely be bed bound.
And yet the 54-year-old defied the odds.
His son, Levi Curtis, told My London about Garry’s recent stroke and incredible recovery despite many doctors assuming he couldn’t.
Levi said: “Thankfully dad has defied the odds and has made great progress so far. He still has a very long way to go, he needs physiotherapy and speech therapy on a daily basis. He can not speak at the minute.
“He now has full movement of his left side but none of his right arm and very little for his right leg. Because of this dad will not be able to return home to live independently and will more than likely need to live in a care home or sheltered accommodation for the rest of his life.
“The money we are raising is to go towards his care in the future and to ensure we can continue to give him the rehabilitation that he needs to recover to his fullest.”
Garry was born in Hillingdon, West London and lived in Yeading and Hayes for most of his life.
He served in a number of conflicts during his military career and as a civilian for the US and UK Governments, including Iraq in 2003.
Levi, his son, said that he is organising a black tie event to raise some money for his dad’s recovery and a long term plan of treatment.
Levi continued and said: “Dad is currently still in hospital at the minute as he is awaiting reconstructive surgery on his skull, when he first went into hospital he had to have around a 1/4 of his skull removed to relieve the pressure of his brain swelling.
“Once they have carried out this operation dad will be discharged. This event is to raise money for dad as he suffered a severe stroke at the beginning of August where at first they told us they didn’t think he would survive or if he did he would be completely bed bound, never eat, drink, talk or move again.”
The event will be held at the Sheraton skyline, Heathrow on May 28. A raffle is also being held for the former soldier to raise money for his care.
Before his stroke Garry had an extraordinary life and released a
book detailing all the stories of his life
He was taken hostage in Libya and has now written an emotional book that covers the break-up of his relationship and a suicide attempt.
In 2012, Garry was injured in Afghanistan, leading to him needing four surgeries over two years and almost dying of blood poisoning.
The injury left Garry unable to work while he recovered, causing him financial problems, which were later made worse when his partner left him after he had an affair.
Then in September 2015, he tried to take his own life.
Writing in his book, he said: “I could not face life any more. Too proud to ask for help, no money, a loser, a total waste of space, no good to anyone. When I look back at everything I’ve done, I smile and think ‘yeah, I did good. I should be proud’.”
Find fundraising events for Garry Curtis by searching his name on Facebook.