Its Sal here.  From the heart of my soul I would like to say your messages, texts, and phonecalls are keeping me going forward.  They give me such a warmth knowing that your thoughts and energy are with my precious Tom.  This is an incredibly scary time for us and I have learnt over the past few days that the goal posts need to be small in order to reach them.

Tom’s Mum Jane and twin sister Gretta arrived last night from the UK, so Tom is surrounded by people who love him immensely.  My sister Robs and my folks Dave and Linda are also here, my Aunt Sue who has a special bond with Tom flew from Durban for the day yesterday.  It is very hard for them all to see Tom in the state he is in but we know that he can hear us all and it will be energizing him.  I have been supported by my best friend Brendon who has been my rock, without him, well I just don’t know.  My old friend Nick has been at my side since we arrived in Joburg and set up this web site in order to let you our wonderful friends know of Tom’s condition.  It is also a wonderful outlet for my self to just write my thoughts down and release some feelings.  I keep saying I need to empty my tank so I can refill it.  Please keep your messages coming,  they really do allow me to fill my tank.  Tom’s cousin James (Jimmy) is also here everyday.  

Visiting hours in the TICU are very strict now so I can only get to see Tom from 12-1, 4-5 and 7:30 to 8:30.  This is very hard as I want to just be by his bed side all day and night and talk to him, but it does allow me to get away and gather my thoughts and re-energize.

Please keep Tom in your thoughts today, I’ve realised what an incredible man he is to all of us.  My word for him today is beautiful. And that he is!

Thanks my friends. Sal

Hi. I was not personally present at the latest doc briefings, but the following is what I have pieced together and Dave McComb has verified.

1. The docs are happy that his organs are coping well since the accident, and since he’s over the first 48 hours and kidneys etc. are strong, this is a good sign that the life-threatening dangers, whilst not excluded completely, are diminishing.
2. The spinal fusion op is scheduled for tomorrow – most likely at some stage in the afternoon. Dr Zorio is pleased with the traction’s progress in moving the spinal vertebrae more into line. The procedure is apparently relatively quick, and will operate in the front of his neck. If this is not successful, they still have the option of going in from the back in a week or so. Remember this is for the fusion – i.e the physical realignment of the vertebrae so as to un-hinder his spinal chord.

Tomorrow’s op is an important step. Tom’s next step will be his breathing – how well he copes with breathing if they try to wean him off the ventilator.

At the risk of sounding negative, it needs to be said again that doctors believe Tom is unlikely to regain movement after the op. That’s not to say that we shouldn’t keep hope close beside us.

I have just spoken to Ciara and Erin who are with my special friend Al and somebody who loves them like her own children. It’s the first time I’ve spoken to them since I left home on Tuesday morning at 3am as I have been so frightened to tell my precious angels that their Daddy is hurt very badly.  I spoke to Keeks first and told her that Dad had a car accident and is very very very sick.  He has been given muti so he can sleep for a while to get some rest.  She heard what I said but changed the subject swiftly and told me that they were playing the bus game.   I told Roo the same thing but when I told her to be brave she said “why?”  Our little Roo is a very perceptive little girl and a real worrier.  I told her that Dad had told me to tell them that they were the light of his life and she said “aah that’s nice”. 

For all those you know Tom well, you’ll understand why I have posted a message about his Girls.  They ARE the light of his life.  When he was having difficulty breathing yesterday I held up a photo of them and his eyes bored so deeply into theirs.  I know it gave him energy. And I know while he rests they are in his dreams.

We’ve just been to the hospital and Tom’s condition is unchanged, though he appears more comfortable and whilst he is in a “medical coma” it seems he is responding to the voices he’s hearing. The hospital has imposed strict visiting hours now – they are only flexible on day one. Technically no-one beyond family is able to visit while he’s in ICU.

Sal is ok under the circumstances – ups and downs, but she has read all the messages via sms, email and facebook so rest assured your thoughts and support have reached her and are a source of great strength.

Please give everyone who has an interest the address of this site, and special thanks to Tony Lankester for setting it up.

To everyone who knows and loves Tom: an update on his situation for those not on my (or Brendon’s email list)

In order to make sure everyone is updated, having had varied amounts of contact with those of us at the hospital in the last 24 hours, please find below a detailed update starting from the beginning.

Returning from the airport, Tom was involved in a serious car accident whilst driving his cab-and-a-half at the corner of Glenara and Samora Machel Ave in Harare sometime between 9.30pm and 10pm. A double cab hit him side-on on the left (passenger) side of the vehicle.

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