Some days are diamonds, some days are stones - today was somewhere in the middle.

After the excitement of the great escape yesterday and all the fun and laughter in the ‘quiet’ room, today Mark awoke with a temperature!  Wouldn’t you just know it!

He was shivering and feeling cold but his temperature was quite high so the staff have been trying to bring it down.

It seems to have settle now and we think he’ll feel better for a good night’s rest and some antibiotics.  They say it's probably only a slight infection but he was confined to bed - and quite rightly too.

Once again we had loads of friends and family who just keep coming all this way to see Mark. Thank you all for helping and supporting and for sharing Father’s Day with us.

A BIG thanks to our own little ray of sunshine......no not you John! 
I'm talking about Alfie who always brings the sunshine with him.

Jenna, John and Brenda  x x x

Sleeping Beauty!

Evening Everybody!   Mark has had one busy day.

It started in the usual way, John delivering his paper, me calling in at 12.30 to see if he had found the messages I had hidden inside it.

I come back at 3 to find him fast asleep, as you can see from the picture. Unfortunately, I did have to wake the sleeping beauty (with a kiss) as he had yet another room full of visitors... erm only about 20 of us today!

He mentioned to the nurses that he hadn't been turned at 2 p m, I wasn't impressed with their tardiness, but Mark wasn't bothered as he was able to sleep for longer.

He also said he wanted to try and sit up today and try the chair again. His motivation, determination and positivity really is inspiring to all. He wants to push himself each day.

So by about 4.30 he was with all his friends and family in the 'quiet' room joking, laughing keeping everyone entertained and just being the reMARKableSWIFT we know and love very very much.  As usual, Mark takes it to the max  - he was in that chair for a full hour and he even ventured outside again. At the end of it all instead of feeling tired and exhausted he said he actually felt stronger. That's my man!

A day full of new achievements, advances and positivity!

Jenna x

P.S.  Bebo says "We should sack the Rotaman - this was a great afternoon." 

Lazy Boy Chair - that's how I roll!

Mark III

Well today I eventually got off the tilt table and into a chair! Not quite upright, more your lazy boy style chair as that’s how I roll, or more accurately what my blood pressure demands! But definitely moving in the right direction, I even got to go outside for 5 mins which was quite literally a breath of fresh air!

And, to continue on the too much information theme of last time, I‘m also now doing my own catheter, to say it’s a little weird is an understatement!  Certainly never thought I’d be putting anything down there (apologies for the mental image if you had one, and apologies if you didn’t as you probably have now!)... enough of that anyway! 

Looking forward to the footy tonight hope we manage to venture out of our own half, talk of Carroll starting, hopefully he can play like he did at the end of the season!

Disappointed with the Irish, my pick in the work sweepstake, think it was a fix in my absence!! 

Oh, the nursing staff have been very nice and given Jenna special dispensation to stay till the end of the match, it’ll save her hiding under the bed for once!

.... again thanks everyone for the kind wishes, visits, gifts, cards and positive thoughts,

Love to you all,
Mark xxx

Extra! Extra! Read All About It

In today's exciting edition of theReMARKableSWIFT we bring you all the latest news, gossip and scandal from around the infamous bedside.

Headline:  Did Mark Swift Eat my Hamster?

Sworn to secrecy - be sure to check back later when we reveal all. Be sure you don't miss it.

Up For It!

This morning we hear from Jenna,

Hi everyone,  We were hoping that Mark might be able to sit in a chair today but he needs a little bit more work on the tilt table first.  He would push himself (you know what he's like) but they are taking great care that he doesn't go too far too soon.

I know that as soon as they let him he'll be sitting in the chair like Lord of the Manner.  He's up for it! He has reached 40 degrees on the tilt table again so his progress is still outstanding and his positive attitude never falters.

No news about a transfer yet so if anyone has a direct line to God's ear now is the time to whisper gently into it.

We had some lovely presents yesterday from some lovely, lovely friends.  Thank you.  Everyone is so kind and supportive, we are surrounded by amazing friends and family.

Can you believe it.... I got kicked out of the ward early last night. This is really starting to annoy me.  If I didn't know better I might think the nurses are ganging up on me. I draw the curtain around us for a little snuggle but they come in and chase me out!  I bet they're only kicking me out so they can have Mark all to themselves..... Hands off he's my fella!

The facial hair is still growing (Mark's not mine) and we're really enjoying all the votes and the different comments "for "and "against".  Keep them coming and thank for visiting the blog.

Love Jenna

Your Votes Count

Beard Or No Beard?

Your votes count.

Yes or No.

See top of page to vote.

From The Man Himself - Mark II

This update comes from Mark himself... this time it was not dictated.  He actually keyed it in himself... what a star!

me again! thanks again for all the messages, cards and visits, very much appreciated! 

...had a pretty chocca weekend of visitors which was great, though i was pretty tired yesterday and ended up having a snooze towards the end of the England match, it was pretty dull mind! good result and all that but going to make for some boring games! 

....in other news general feedback on the 3 week beard has been positive, not sure jenna is convinced but allowing her to tame my monobrow with the tweezers placated her somewhat, also worrying comparisons to my dads beard of yesteryear may convince me to shave!

....other than that have been spending lots of time in bed watching football,  sounds good i know but today other activities included having the staples removed from my surgical scar, getting on the tilt table ( which is getting me ready for getting out of bed and in to a chair, which Will be great) i managed 40 degrees which is a big improvement on my first attempt when i got to 10, 

on the flipside gravity took its toll and my trousers need a wash, revisiting my formative years! a little too much information maybe?!! 

right my hands tired, thanks again, love Mark

Bow Wow! I Bet That Felt Good

Hi everyone, I'm waiting for a full report from the bedside team for today's update. In the meantime ... how about this for some good news.

Mark has had his first shower.
Wow! I bet that felt good.

Mark reached 30 degrees on his tilt table.
Wow! I bet that felt odd.

More as soon as I get it.
Please keep your messages coming. 

Senior Sister Said

Today we hear from Jenna....

As you might expect....... Mark received a selection of Mac Donalds treats yesterday from his Kaplan clan, so I ate the roast dinner he had ordered from the hospital. Delicious on both counts!

John and I discussed Mark's progress with the Senior Sister who said his progress is brilliant.  It's really excellent that  only two weeks after his accident he is ready and eager for physio. 

She said they are also hoping to get him on the tilting table again today.  So we shall see if he can manage another 10 degrees after all those Big Macs.

All in all Mark is still doing well and, thanks to the Kaplan friends he has now lost all trace of his Maccies craving!
Love Jenna  xxxxx

Get That Man A Big Mac

Mike, that's my much better half and I were able to make the journey to Middlesbrough today to see Mark. So I can give you the low down first hand.

John was waiting for us at the front door of the hospital. I didn't know quite what to expect. I thought seeing Mark might upset me but I was wrong..... seeing him inspired me.

Even before we had chance to say hello Mark’s big beaming smile greeted us. A warm and genuine welcome that spoke volumes about the quality of the man.  Instead of us helping to lift Mark’s spirits it was he who lifted ours.

Clearly he is doing well. He may not be totally pain free but he is certainly not making any complaints. He was in the first bed on the left and although he was laying almost flat he was able to move his head, shoulders, arms, hands and some fingers.  He was just as chatty as ever and there is nowt wrong with his sense of humour.

He is hoping to be transferred to the Spinal Unit in Southport soon,  not I might add for his own benefit, but to save everyone else from making the long journey. It was a good visit and if what I saw today is anything to go by Mark Swift is a force to be reckoned with.

On a very positive note, it’s not often that I get the chance to hug a good-looking, half naked, younger man laying stretched out in bed.... so naturally I seized the opportunity and then I planted a big kiss on his cheek too!    I’ll be back for more!

Meanwhile: Mark and Jenna have asked me to post a special thank you to the Air Ambulance Service and all the Doctors, nurses and staff at James Cook Hospital for everything they have done for him.

P.S. Will someone PLEASE.... Get That Man A Big Mac!
The hospital food is good but today Mark said he really fancied a Big Mac ......erm, on second thoughts, don't!!! Not until we've appointed a BigMacMan to control the deliveries. I can just image the local MacDonalds selling out and the ward filling up.  Then we can get BigMacMan to work alongside Rotaman.

Finally thanks for visiting and thanks for leaving your messages too.
I can't tell you how much they mean and how much they are helping. 

Betty the Blog