Click Here to view details of 'Ali JohnsonTrust Fund'
Saturday 25th September - Ali suffered a serious neck injury after 52 minutes of Tynedale's match at Fylde.
The injury occurred as the scrums engaged at a position near the Fylde line.
Ali was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Preston Hospital where he had two scans on Saturday night.
The first scan revealed that Ali had dislocated two vertebrae in his neck. The second scan revealed that Ali's spinal cord had not been broken.
Ali did not have movement in his limbs and the extent of Ali's recovery depends on how severely the spinal cord has been impacted. It may take several weeks before the full extent of the injury is known.
Sunday 26th September
Ali has slight movement in his shoulders.
The doctors are considering airlifting Ali to Teeside Hospital early this week - possibly as early as Monday.
It is now thought it may be up to 2 years before the full extent of Ali's recovery is known.
Tuesday 28th September
Ali underwnt surgery today to correct vertebrae alignment and to relieve any pressure on the spinal cord. As part of the operation a bone graft was taken from Ali's hip and used to form a splint around the dislocated area.
Ali is in relatively good spirits and thinks he has experienced a bit feeling down his arms.
It is thought that Ali will be flown to Teeside Hospital either tonight or tomorrow night.
Wednesday 29th September
The transfer of Ali to Teeside has been postponed until probably this weekend.
Thursday 30th September
Ali's condition hasn't changed much - it is still not certain when (or how) Ali will be moved to Teeside.
Saturday 2nd October
Decision has been taken to move Ali to Teeside on Monday 4th October.
Monday 4th October
Ali's transfer to Middlesbrough has been delayed again - the latest news is that Ali will be transferred by air tomorrow.
Tuesday 5th October
Yet again Ali's transfer to Middlesbrough has been delayed - it is hoped Ali will be transferred tomorrow or Thursday.
Sunday 10th October
Still not sure when Ali will be moved. The problem is that currently there are no free beds in the Spinal Unit at Middlesbrough. There have been discussions relating to transferring Ali to Newcastle General as an interim measure.
Wednesday 13th October
Ali has been transfered to Newcastle General.
Thursday 14th October
Ali is in Ward 25 at Newcastle General hospital.
Visiting can take place at any time. Between 08:00am and 11:00am, however,the doctors do their rounds and consequently visiting may not always be convenient during these hours.
Friday 15th October
Ali has been moved from Newcastle General to the 'James Cook University Hospital' in Middlesbrough.
Sunday 24th October
Ali obviously has his downs but generally is in good spirits.
Thursday 29th October
No change medically - Ali is still on a ventilator
Sunday 7th November
No real change - Ali has his good days and his not-so-good days.
Sunday 14th November
Ali has been off the ventilator for short periods.
Sunday 28th November
Ali has been off ventialtor for longer periods - on Wednesday he was off for 3 hours.
Ali is having plenty of visitors and feels better for it - best time is betwen 12.00 and 9.00pm.
Ali's short term goal is to be out of the High Dependancy Unit by Christmas.
Ali remains in the HDU at the moment , he was going to be moved at the end of this week but had a set back on Monday when a junior doctor attempted to change his tracheostomy tube and failed I wont say what he called her !!! needless to say his throat is very sore with lots of trauma so the move is cancelled for the time being, he was very down on Mon, Tues and Wed. The consultant is pleased with his progress even though he remains in spinal shock, still no movement below his shoulders.Ali was delighted to have a visit from an ex Tyndale player this week Paul Winter,and his faithful visitor Ed Holmes has the flu bug so he is staying clear.Ali has managed without the ventilator since the 2nd December, the pipe work is still there just in case, also started to eat hospital food so the nasal / gastric tube has been removed. Ali sends everyone at Tynedale his best wishes for 2005 - dont drink too much or better still try a bottle of Stella through a straw lying down its enough to put you off drinking for good. On behalf of Ali - Sheila Johnson.
On the 13th Ali was hoisted into his wheelchair for 20 minutes. Enough time get a breath of Middlesbrough air and a quick look around the gym then it was back into bed.
On the 14th it was case conference meeting - up in chair again. While the meeting was going on his bed was moved out of H.D.U. into rehab - a very frightening experience for him after being used to a nurse standing by and all the equipment at hand. By the time we left him he was more settled. It was Ali's goal to be on rehab by Christmas.
Ali's new goals are getting up twice a day and having the tracheostomy tube removed. Ali seems to be on target with the goals that are set for him. Sheila Johnson
A quick update on Ali before the festive break.
Ali has eventually settled on rehab - a huge change from having a nurse 24 hours and all the equipment plus staff that know what they are doing but Ali has been told to take charge of his life and he is capable of telling a nurse if she is imcompetent.
He has a very very slight upper arm movement to which the physios are working on, he is also learning to sit up straight in the wheelchair, the trachie tube has been changed but not removed yet.
On Tuesday Ali had a visit from Dr Nigel Enevoldson (sponsor) who has been through an accident similar to Ali ( bike accident). We were all pleased to meet him.
Ali's next goal is to lift his right arm off the bed by the end of January.
Ali has asked me to thank everyone for their good wishes, dont drink too much over the festive season and as he has lost 4 stone in weight tell the ' backs ' to watch out !!! Ken,Sheila, Fay, Gemma, Keith and Emma would like once again to thank everyone at Tynedale for there help and support since September.
Best wishes to all, Sheila .
Merry Christmas to all.
Ali is settled into the rehab ward now, managing to visit the gym twice a day and learning how to sit straight in the wheel chair. He was overwhelmed by all the visitors ( 7 ) on the 22nd, Smithy was a good hand at feeding him his supper, maybe he is getting into practice for any young Smiths ? the others enjoyed the jaffa cakes ! On the 24th Andy Blyth spent a long time with Ali in the gym , very much appreciated, many thanks to all.
Keith and Emma were with Ali at lunch time on the 25th, Keith fed the turkey dinner etc to him, the rest of the Johnsons plus Gemma and her parents spent the afternoon and evening with him, he coped really well. Ed and Haydn called in on the 26th then Ken and I gave him a tour of the James Cook before we were ordered to do his physio, Christmas or not the exercises have to continue.
Ali would also like to say a big thank you to Edward Robson, Don & Flick Jacks ( N.Z ) for the great gift. Thats about all for now will keep you posted.
Sheila.
On the 28th Ali had a visit from Tynedales ' Last of the Summer Wine' trio, he was pleased to see them, they were last spotted leaving the James Cook Hospital at about 4.30pm with two young females who had been visiting Ali, the trio kindly offered the girls a lift back to Newcastle, the smile on PR' s face was wider than the Tynedale pitch as he was the back seat passenger!!!Ali was still laughing about it at 8.30 pm. Has anyone seen PR, JS & WC since?
Ali was back in the gym on the 29th following the Christmas break continuing his arm exercises. We toured the corridors of the hospital and a quick visit outside for a lung full of Middlesbrough smog !
Sending Best Wishes to all at Tynedale for 2005.
Bye for now, Sheila.
Happy New Year to all at Tynedale.
On the 31st Ali had a surprise visit from Morpeth's veteran Mr Jimmy Pringle known both to the rugby and wrestling world, then on the 2nd January Angela, the physio from Fylde, called in - these visits are very much appreciated.
Ed Holmes is keeping him up to date with the Tynedale gossip and helping Ali out with the Jaffa cakes and Pringles.
Ali is anxious to get back to the gym after the festive break, he coped well with Christmas but was a bit ' down ' over the New Year , but as usual he has his chin up and thinking positive.
Auntie Dot from Darlington visits him usually on a Tuesday evening to which he looks forward to. Ali was wondering if Bullet is trying to catch up with Micky Lee's millionaire farming status with all the big money that he is earning ???
That's about all for now, hope to have some more news when the Doctors , Physios etc get back to work.
Sheila.
Ali was in the gym on the 4th to make up lost time caused by the long festive break, he managed 65 degrees on the tilt table, not bad for his first try.
Later in the day he had an Autonomic Dysreflexia ( last one on the 23rd Dec ) - sudden pounding headache, very high blood pressure,profuse sweating etc etc. They treated him with medication, elevated the head of the bed etc. He remained groggy on the 5th then had another AD on the 6th so he is on bed rest over the weekend. Its a condition unique to people with spinal cord lesions, it can be life threatening and requires immediate treatment. A little set back for him but he will be raring to go on Monday no doubt.
Good luck for Saturdays game.
Sheila.
Hello there, hows things at Tynedale ?everyone must be devastated after lasts weeks dreadful weather . Ali has the photos from the internet , he is going to have a go on the voice activated computer today.
The A. D. attacks seem to be settling down , so he has been able to return to the gym.
On Thursday when Ken and I got there the bed was empty so we went upstairs to find him ' Test Driving' a chin controlled wheelchair , the staff were amazed at how quick he took to it so ' Top Gear ' better look out.
The trachie tube has to remain insitu until his breathing improves, the physio is pleased with his ability to be able to sit in his wheelchair without the head and neck support all very encouraging !! thats about all for know will keep you updated.
Sheila.
Just a few lines to update you on Ali's progress. First of all he was pleased to see Bullet on Friday, long time no see !
Ali has been struggling to get back on track after the NHS long festive break plus he has had several AD attacks to which they think a stone in his bladder might be to blame so a date has been set to remove the stone and to do various tests ( 2nd Feb ).
Saturday he was on a 'down' but thankfully by Monday he was almost back to his cheerful self. He was delighted with the photos from David Hewitson - many thanks.
Will keep you updated.
Sheila
Hello there, just a quick update on Ali.
Last Thursday he was told he had a ' bug ' but it took them until 6pm on Friday to move him into a cubicle.He was there until Tuesday when they moved him back to his old bed , we think they got the samples mixed up as the old boy in the corner has had the D & V ' s all weekend.
Keith and I attended an educational session on Monday 1- 5pm, it was very interesting. Not sure what Keith thought about it !!!!
Ali is back in the gym but was sleeping on Wednesday when Ken and I got there - he had done extra exercises in the morning. Keith was telling Ali about a TV programme about stem cell, thought it might be about 10 year away. Alis reply - "well that will make me 34, time for a few more years at rugby ! "
Keith would also have a go on Ali's breathing machine, "just blow Keith", well Keith's face was like a beetroot , Ali grining from ear to ear , you are meant to suck not blow , oh dear nothing changes.
Bye for now, Sheila.
Hello there , a few lines to update you all.
First Ali enjoyed his visits on Tuesday and Wednesday from the young, not so young and the older rugby players, thanks for taking the time.
On Monday it was in the class room again for an educational session, then Ali had a sit in an adapted vechicle - thought it would be better with 4 wheeldrive !!
Wednesday it was down to the theatre to have the bladder stone removed, he watched it on the screen then said he had seen better films, apart from being hungry when he got back he was in fine fettle. He is anxious to get back into the gym to try to make up for lost time.
Visiting times are Mon - Fri. 12md - 1-45pm then 4pm - 9pm, Sat / Sun 12 - 9. just so he can get a session in the gym in the afternoon.. The consultant will not remove the trachie tube yet until his breathing improves, he is going to have some more exercises for it.
Thats all folks, thanks again Sheila.
Hello there, here goes with another Ali update. The last few weeks has seen very little progress in Alis improvement, but on Sunday he was asking me to do some arm physio on him so lets hope he is getting back on track after several set backs.
Thursday and Friday saw Ali test driving a ' demo ' chin controlled wheelchair , no problem to him but on Saturday another patient asked if he could try it out ( he has a different model ) what did he do but crash it into the door frame and snap a leg support off so its waiting for the service mechanic to come to repair it.
Ali was pleased to see Keith and Emma ( also Emma's parents ) on Saturday and Hackers two visits last week. The trachie tube is still insitu until the end of the month (hopefully ) , as usual he remains his usual happy self and having a go on the computer and ' page turner ' and has made it over to the Toby Jug to a patients leaving do, one pint was all he could manage !!!! ( will see how long that lasts ) .
Hope all is going well with the repairs to the Club house at Tynedale. All for now Sheila.
Hello to everyone at Tynedale, Ali hasn't had a very good week, he went back to bed on Wednesday after a morning session in the gym with a blinding headache which continued over Thursday and Friday, the Doctor started him on I V fluids and antibiotics. Saturday he was slightly better ( chest & urine infection ), its like one step forward and two steps back at the moment but we have to remain positive !!!!
Ali managed to watch a little of the France - Wales game on Saturday, his replacement test drive wheelchair is waiting to be tried out when he his fit enough. Ali sends his thanks to the Harvey family for the Easter egg he received through the post no doubt Ed ( H ) and Hacker will help him out a change from pringles and jaffa cakes . Thats all for now will keep you up dated. Sheila.
Another Ali update, once again Ali seems to be back on track following his set backs , he still has a few problems to be sorted out then hopefully we can get some arrangements made to bring him back to Wolfhills.
He can manage 90 degrees on the tilt table and continues with his range of movement exercises. The highlight on Wednesday was to have a sit in a 4 x 4 wheelchair, excellent for going to shows and to go up and down the line at Tynedale !! The voice activated computer is another interesting piece of technology, it dosnt understand Northumberland dialect !
Ali was delighted to see Ed, Paul and Jason from Otley and Paul Winter from Blaydon with a supply of Jaffa cakes , thanks lads. Ali sends his regards to all the Flyde team and officals when they play at Tynedale today . Thats all for now. Sheila.
Just a few lines with an update on Ali, he is enjoying his once a week dip in the hydrotherapy pool, finding it very beneficial and hopeing to find the use of a pool and physio when he eventually gets home and we have an adapted vehicle for him.
Ali was pleased to see coach Tom Borthwick on Thursday after 6 months , how time flies Ali says !! We are all looking forward to getting him home in the near future, reality will hit home with Ali when he can not get out and about how he used to , a different life for the whole family , no more travelling to the smog of Middlesbrough apart from check ups.
The critical care staff from Preston Royal are in contact every 2 weeks and have a visit arranged when he is discharged. Hope we can get Ali to Tynedale before the end of the season. Best wishes Sheila.
Ali eventually got home on Mon and Tues, pleased but very emotional , hopefully it will get easier for him as we get into a routine.
The journey back to Middlesbrough was a roller coaster, straight to bed, he managed a short spell in the gym on Thurs. before being ordered back to bed with bladder trouble. Friday he was poorly so they gave him an MRI scan, IV antibiotics and fluids so Tuesdays discharge is in doubt , there will be one very disappointed Ali, but they must get the niggles sorted out, his chin controlled wheelchair has at last arrived he has not been able to try it out yet.
Will keep you updated. Sheila
Just to say Ali arrived back to Wolfhills on Tuesday at 1.30 pm via a Black Taxi Cab from Harrogate !! he was in his chin controlled chair sitting sideways - what has happened to the NHS ?
Needless to say we are all delighted to have him back home, no doubt there will be some ups and downs until we all get into a routine. Ali can manage the chair but isnt supposed to go outside yet ! we will have to clean the tyres before the technican comes to assess him.
Ali will be pleased to see anyone from the club at Wolfhills . Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit him at Middlesbrough.
Best wishes to all Sheila.
Ali, Ken and Sheila turned up at the Northumberland v Lancashire County match - hopefully the first of many visits.
Hello there, hows things ? At last I have a few minutes to update you on Ali. Its 10 weeks since he came home, yes everyone, Ali included ,are pleased .
It's certainly not easy, the 24hour care package isn't all in place and it's a constant fight to try to get any help with physio, equipment, vehicle, planners etc which certainly dosn't help. We have been in contact with our own GP to see what he can come up with regarding physio, hydro pool etc.
Ali has been to several fund raising functions and he's brilliant at meeting people but reality hits home when he realises he has lost the life he once had. It's so hard to accept, all he can say is WHY HIM but we have to remain strong and positive - who knows what medical intervention is around the corner !
Many thanks to the 'lads' who have been with him for the Lions games, sending best wishes to all for a safe and injury free season - the front door is always open at Wolfhills , Ali still needs support even though he's home.
Take care, Sheila.
Ali has been ' down ' for the last fortnight but the visits from the Tynedale lads this last few days has helped to boost his moral. He continues to work hard in his byre / physio and also has weekly trips to London which he finds benefical.
A local man has done several months of research into computer equipment to enable Ali to use a laptop, this will hopefully give Ali another interest. Ali has also applied to go Ski Karting in Sweden in January with the Back Up Trust, a club specially for Spinal Injuries. He's also looking forward to the night at the Dogs, and the twins ' head wetting ' ( when they arrive )
Hope all is well at Tynedale, also thanks for the polo shirt. Sheila
NOTE: Emma (Keith's wife & ex club Physio) gave birth to twins Kate and Eve on Monday 7th November - all three are doing fine.
Ali has recovered from his chest infection ( we managed to do his assisted coughs and chest thumps without calling the Hexham physio - that's the only physio they offer him ).
Bullet's visits every Monday night are much appreciated. The visits to the Mind Instructor continue every Tuesday - a long day but well worth it.
Ali's trip to the Falcons was much enjoyed - thanks to all who made it possible for him. Ali can be found out in his byre / physio twice a day , tilt table ( he manages to have a nap while standing up ) the bike exercises are going well usually 4 - 6 ks ( first gear ), the power is increasing in his arms also.
Kate and Eve have brought much pleasure to Ali and of course he can tell them apart - its just like looking at sheep ! Hope this finds everyone at Tynedale fit and well .
Regards to all Sheila.
Ali has enjoyed the company of Ed, Jamie, Bullet, Steven Lumley and the Bisto Kid over the Christmas season - it helps keep him updated with the Tynedale gossip !
Christmas day was very hard for Ali. Last year at this time he was in the Spinal Unit along with all the other patients, this time reality hit home but we managed to make the most of it.
Ali was looking forward to going on a Ski Karting holiday to Swedeen in January but because he had not attended the sample date ( which was held way down South & we didn't know anything about it ) he is unable to go this year, he also missed a family wedding at Darlington on the 28th due to bad weather conditions so he spent his time out in the byre / gym. Leg and arm muscles are much stronger although there is no feeling yet.
Ali and the Johnson family send everyone at Tynedale Best Wishes for a safe and healthy 2006. Please remember the door is always open at Wolfhills.
Ali contiues to work hard with his exercises out in the byre with the help of his carers and some good friends. The weekly trip to London continues and this gives him much hope.
The visit to the Houses of Parliment with Bullet was a great experience with the trip on the London Eye being enjoyed, many thanks to Sarah, Bullets sister, for arranging the day.
Peter Robertson's visit on Sunday morning was much appreciated - come on lads Ali was a Tynedale player and needs support, the door is always open !!!!
Sheila Johnson
Sunday 19th February 2006
Ali has asked me to send this email to say thank you to all his friends at Tynedale for making him welcome on Saturday - also a big thanks to Auntie Ang Lee for listening ! He really enjoyed himself until it was time to head home. Oh dear reality hits home but after being upset he tries hard to get back on track, life is certainly S--- at times but we must give him credit for being able to face people.
Many thanks to Rowan and Smithy for their visit on Saturday morning.
Thanks once again, Sheila
Bullet continues to visit every Monday evening and on the 27th Ali was pleased to see Ed and Clare, the talk soon got round to rugby we even had to go to the archives to sort teams out.
Wednesday the 1st saw us up at Carlisle to see the Spinal Profressor for the first time , three and a half hours later we headed for home, not a very exciting day out !
Emma , Kate and Eve were in on Monday, Emma was helping a family friend and a carer with some physio. Today he is away to London for his therapy, he's looking forward to the past players lunch on the 25th.
Sheila
Ali is away to London for his weekly therapy session, its a long day but he enjoys the therapy and he continues with the exercises the rest of the week.
The Past Players lunch was much enjoyed then on the Sunday he had lunch at the Falcons prior to the Northampton match, the lunch was better than the game !!!, many thanks to Mr H Straker for arranging this visit.
Ali was delighted to have a phone call from Steve ( x coach ) also a visit from Peter Robertson, its good to see a different face now and again. Ali is sticking to his diet, weigh in is the end of this month .
Best wishes to all Sheila.
Ali took bad on Friday evening, after a long battle with out of hours doctors, he was taken to A& E at Hexham at 12.30 pm on Saturday, then at 6.30pm into SIU at Middlesbrough, 8.30pm moved to High dependancy unit then 1.30am ( Mon ) moved to Intensive Care.
Not sure what is happening but his blood results are all poor, blood pressure very very low, kidneys not working etc etc so he his rather poorly, will keep you updated.
Sheila.
Ali remains in the IT unit, very slight improvment but still has breathing and blood problems, he has septicaemia and septic shock. He was still interested to hear last nights results, its family only visiting at the moment.
Sheila
Ali remains in the HDU on the spinal ward. On Monday he managed all day without the oxygen requiring it over night, Tuesday he wasn't as good - problems still with the ' bug ' in his blood. The IT doctor has been very good, they hope they are on top of it now but she has a plan ' B' if needed.
Thankfully we can see a big improvement in his condition. Ali sends the his best wishes to the Tynedale County lads for Saturday.
Sheila
Ali arrived home at 5.30pm on Wednesday, they sent the famous black taxi cab - Ali's chair could not fit in so he had to wait for an ambulance.
It was Ali's choice to come home, there is tests to do but they could not give him a date so he will go back when a date is available. Bloods result are still poor but the nurse is keeping a check on them., he has to be sensible ! ( for once ). Ali wanted to get back into his routine so we will have to support him with his wishes.
Sheila
Ali continues to improve although not quick enough for him ! Blood results are getting better, he has started with some gentle exercises.
Ali has decided that this should be his last update, he hopes the few faithful Tynedale players continue to visit him, please remember the door is always open at Wolfhills.
Ali can be contacted on 01434 320472, mobile 07900683256 or alistairjohnson@hotmail.co.uk Many many thanks to everyone at Tynedale.
Sheila Johnson
View details of the "Ali Johnson Trust"
The Club and Ali's family have been overwhelmed by the many messages of support and best wishes from across the rugby world.
Keith has specifically asked us to thank everyone for their messages of support. He would like to stress how much they really are appreciated.
Click Here to view details of 'Ali JohnsonTrust Fund'