Evening All,
Sorry for the lack of updates recently. We've been busy trying to sort out Neil's house and affairs.
The funeral will be held at St. James Church, Brightlingsea on Tuesday 20th November at 11:00, followed by a private burial for family. See link below for a map. Parking is not fantastic in the area but it's mainly free on the streets around. Please no flowers. If you'd like to make a donation instead, the charities that will benefit are Headway and the RNLI, as Neil and Shelley were keen to raise funds for both these charities. The funeral director is coordinating this for us (Kemble Funeral Services, 73 High St. Brightlingsea, Colchester, CO7 0AQ) and they will be happy to take donations in Neil's memory.
Everyone is invited to join us for a drop or two of the black stuff at the Yachtsmans Arms. They'll be expecting quite a few and will be putting out the buffet just as soon as people start to arrive. Again, link below shows how to get there.
Once again, thanks to everyone for all the messages of support that you've sent to Shelley, Mum and I. It's really comforting to know Neil had so many friends. It was also nice to see so many of you at the Yachtsmans last Friday.
Please pass the funeral details to anyone you think might not already know. I should have put the information up here much sooner but got sidetracked - I'm sure you can understand.
Remember to think happy thoughts about Neil.
Hope to see you next Tuesday.
Never forget him.
http://www.achurchnearyou.com/activemap.php?V=6210 St. James Church
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=CO7+0AZ&spn=0.005,0.02&hl=en The Yachtsmans Arms
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Thursday 08-11-07 21:00
Evening All,
Thanks to everyone for all the messages, both text and on this site. It shows the effect Neil has had on everyone's lives - and such a lot of lives at that.
The Funeral will be on Tuesday 20th November. More details to follow.
Shelley and I have had a chat this evening and thought we would pop down to the Yachtsman's Arms in Brightlingsea tomorrow night (Friday) to raise a pint (or maybe two) to the memory of Neil. Anybody that would like to join us is more than welcome. We thought we'd make a start around 9ish (PM!) and would be delighted to see you. If you don't know Brightlingsea that well see below for a link to a map.
For anyone that can't make it tomorrow we will have a drink after the funeral but I will be able to give you more detail on that after the weekend.
The enormity of the situation still has not sunk in. I'm sure you feel the same. Sorry, but I can't really say much more yet. I guess we'll all swap daft tales tomorrow night and that will help us all.
Never forget him.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=CO7+0AZ&spn=0.005,0.02&hl=en
Thanks to everyone for all the messages, both text and on this site. It shows the effect Neil has had on everyone's lives - and such a lot of lives at that.
The Funeral will be on Tuesday 20th November. More details to follow.
Shelley and I have had a chat this evening and thought we would pop down to the Yachtsman's Arms in Brightlingsea tomorrow night (Friday) to raise a pint (or maybe two) to the memory of Neil. Anybody that would like to join us is more than welcome. We thought we'd make a start around 9ish (PM!) and would be delighted to see you. If you don't know Brightlingsea that well see below for a link to a map.
For anyone that can't make it tomorrow we will have a drink after the funeral but I will be able to give you more detail on that after the weekend.
The enormity of the situation still has not sunk in. I'm sure you feel the same. Sorry, but I can't really say much more yet. I guess we'll all swap daft tales tomorrow night and that will help us all.
Never forget him.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=CO7+0AZ&spn=0.005,0.02&hl=en
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wednesday 07-11-07 16:00
Neil Anthony James Bartle
Born 03-06-69
Passed Away 07-11-07 15:10
I am not able to write any more comments today. Sorry.
Please keep an eye on this site for details of the Funeral Arrangements.
The world this evening is a less wonderful place now he has gone.
Never forget him.
Thank you.
Born 03-06-69
Passed Away 07-11-07 15:10
I am not able to write any more comments today. Sorry.
Please keep an eye on this site for details of the Funeral Arrangements.
The world this evening is a less wonderful place now he has gone.
Never forget him.
Thank you.
Wednesday 07-11-07 02:00
Morning Everyone,
Thanks for all the messages of support. Hugely appreciated.
Neil was taken off Life Support last night at about 2245. Nature will now undeniably take its course. Obviously, this being Neil we're talking about, it is taking longer than the Medical staff anticipated. That is why he's still alive in the next room.
Sadly though, the conclusion is inevitable and my big brother, Mum's eldest and Shelley's (almost) Husband, will go to another place where the track is always dry and grippy, corners have loads of run-off, the sailing conditions are always fabulous, the Guinness is free and always good, and British Bikes run perfectly all the time with no leaks. And he'll still be annoyed about it.
I'm sorry to have to tell you it is just a matter of time now.
Please think a happy thought of Neil today and many times in the future. You know he'll be mad as hell if you don't.
As I said before, I'll let you know the inevitable ending to this sorry saga after it happens.
Keep thinking of him.
Thanks for all the messages of support. Hugely appreciated.
Neil was taken off Life Support last night at about 2245. Nature will now undeniably take its course. Obviously, this being Neil we're talking about, it is taking longer than the Medical staff anticipated. That is why he's still alive in the next room.
Sadly though, the conclusion is inevitable and my big brother, Mum's eldest and Shelley's (almost) Husband, will go to another place where the track is always dry and grippy, corners have loads of run-off, the sailing conditions are always fabulous, the Guinness is free and always good, and British Bikes run perfectly all the time with no leaks. And he'll still be annoyed about it.
I'm sorry to have to tell you it is just a matter of time now.
Please think a happy thought of Neil today and many times in the future. You know he'll be mad as hell if you don't.
As I said before, I'll let you know the inevitable ending to this sorry saga after it happens.
Keep thinking of him.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Tuesday 06-11-07 20:00
Evening All,
I am sorry to have to tell you that Neil will not now recover. The initial damage was too great and he has not been able to make any form of meaningful recovery.
This is a terrible blow for all of us. We have had so many messages of support through email and this site and it means so much to us to know that Neil is such a popular bloke. Please feel free to add any thoughts you might have.
The medical staff have been superb and have gone through everything in great detail. Everything that could have been done has been done.
We have had to make the hardest decision of our lives, but it is a decision we have slept on and agreed together. We have been told that there is only one eventual outcome from this.
There is really nothing more I can say at this time. I will post again after the inevitable happens.
Keep thinking of him.
I am sorry to have to tell you that Neil will not now recover. The initial damage was too great and he has not been able to make any form of meaningful recovery.
This is a terrible blow for all of us. We have had so many messages of support through email and this site and it means so much to us to know that Neil is such a popular bloke. Please feel free to add any thoughts you might have.
The medical staff have been superb and have gone through everything in great detail. Everything that could have been done has been done.
We have had to make the hardest decision of our lives, but it is a decision we have slept on and agreed together. We have been told that there is only one eventual outcome from this.
There is really nothing more I can say at this time. I will post again after the inevitable happens.
Keep thinking of him.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Monday 05-11-07 1800
Evening All,
It is with heavy heart that I have to tell you that the news is not good in the Neil camp. The doctor asked to see Mum Shelley and I this afternoon.
I am not going to go into details. That is for another time. Suffice to say the outlook is just about the worst possible.
Please, no matter who your God (and if you haven't got one now is a really good time to find one!), take a minute to ask him/her (sure Neil wouldn't approve of such Political Correctness) to look after my big brother.
Tomorrow we will have to make the ultimate decision on what is best for Neil. The three of us know all too well exactly what he wouldn't want and I'm sure, knowing him as you do, in your heart of hearts you will know too.
As I said in previous posts, I'm not really a strong religious man. I know many of you aren't either. Unfortunately for us all, Praying is about all we can do.
The Intensive Care team here at St. George's have been fabulous. Mum, Shelley and I truly believe he has had nothing but the best possible care since he arrived and they are stil doing eveything they can. The same must be said for Broomfield Hospital too who were fantastic for the first 48hrs that Neil was ill.
This is the hardest thing I've ever had to write so I'm afraid I won't be adding much more.
Take a moment or two to think of a happy memory of Neil. One of millions of mine was at my Wedding this summer when he proved how well he could scrub up. You will all have many great memories of a really great bloke.
I'm rambling now so I'll apologise and stop. I'll let you know how this all turns out tomorrow.
Keep thinking of him.
It is with heavy heart that I have to tell you that the news is not good in the Neil camp. The doctor asked to see Mum Shelley and I this afternoon.
I am not going to go into details. That is for another time. Suffice to say the outlook is just about the worst possible.
Please, no matter who your God (and if you haven't got one now is a really good time to find one!), take a minute to ask him/her (sure Neil wouldn't approve of such Political Correctness) to look after my big brother.
Tomorrow we will have to make the ultimate decision on what is best for Neil. The three of us know all too well exactly what he wouldn't want and I'm sure, knowing him as you do, in your heart of hearts you will know too.
As I said in previous posts, I'm not really a strong religious man. I know many of you aren't either. Unfortunately for us all, Praying is about all we can do.
The Intensive Care team here at St. George's have been fabulous. Mum, Shelley and I truly believe he has had nothing but the best possible care since he arrived and they are stil doing eveything they can. The same must be said for Broomfield Hospital too who were fantastic for the first 48hrs that Neil was ill.
This is the hardest thing I've ever had to write so I'm afraid I won't be adding much more.
Take a moment or two to think of a happy memory of Neil. One of millions of mine was at my Wedding this summer when he proved how well he could scrub up. You will all have many great memories of a really great bloke.
I'm rambling now so I'll apologise and stop. I'll let you know how this all turns out tomorrow.
Keep thinking of him.
Monday 05-11-07 1200
Morning All,
Just been turfed out for Neil's lunchtime rest period. No change to report I'm afraid.
The Consultant wants to see us this afternoon. I fear the worst. If you get a chance to talk to the Big Guy upstairs just offer a few words for Neil please. I'm not overly religious myself but I have to admit to having had a few quiet words.
I'm a bit unsure what the latest state of play is. The charts look as though nothing is happening, but his right eye is open and appears to respond fractionally when I talk to him. His left eye doesn't open much, if at all, although there was a bit of movement earlier. I guess we'll know after speaking to the doctor.
If anyone wants to send messages to Neil you can do so by clicking on the "Comments" link below this post. I will pass on to him any messages that you send (within reason!) whenever I see him. As I understand it, anyone can comment (some of you have already) and I think anyone can view the comments. If this is not the case let me know and I'll try and sort it out. All goodwill messages are gratefully received. I know Mum and Shelley appreciate it and I'm sure Neil does too.
I can't tell you any more at this stage so I'll sign off for now. I will try and update you further when I have something to tell you. Please God it'll be a positive.
Keep thinking of him.
Just been turfed out for Neil's lunchtime rest period. No change to report I'm afraid.
The Consultant wants to see us this afternoon. I fear the worst. If you get a chance to talk to the Big Guy upstairs just offer a few words for Neil please. I'm not overly religious myself but I have to admit to having had a few quiet words.
I'm a bit unsure what the latest state of play is. The charts look as though nothing is happening, but his right eye is open and appears to respond fractionally when I talk to him. His left eye doesn't open much, if at all, although there was a bit of movement earlier. I guess we'll know after speaking to the doctor.
If anyone wants to send messages to Neil you can do so by clicking on the "Comments" link below this post. I will pass on to him any messages that you send (within reason!) whenever I see him. As I understand it, anyone can comment (some of you have already) and I think anyone can view the comments. If this is not the case let me know and I'll try and sort it out. All goodwill messages are gratefully received. I know Mum and Shelley appreciate it and I'm sure Neil does too.
I can't tell you any more at this stage so I'll sign off for now. I will try and update you further when I have something to tell you. Please God it'll be a positive.
Keep thinking of him.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Sunday 04-11-07 2145
Evening All,
Just left Neil for the night but thought I'd drop a post before I go home.
Neil seems settled at the moment. He is still receiving antibiotics for the lung infection and also some drugs to control his blood pressure.
The nurse has just confirmed that tomorrow they are planning to do another CT scan to see how he is doing and also to see if there's any damage. I guess we will be told what the next course of action is after that. Pray now.
I'm off to endure the Northern Line and what's left of the mainline to Colchester.
Finally, a bit of a shocker. That amazing bird's nest Neil carries around on his lower face is sadly no more! He's not been shaved, but the phrase "substantially trimmed" would be quite appropriate. Shelley, Mum and I all agreed that, as they were concerned about it harbouring infections etc., if they needed to trim it they should. Well, they needed to and they did. Lots of it.
Never mind. Hopefully we'll get him back and we can all buy him a pint to sympathise (you just know how much he's going to complain about it!).
Keep thinking of him.
Just left Neil for the night but thought I'd drop a post before I go home.
Neil seems settled at the moment. He is still receiving antibiotics for the lung infection and also some drugs to control his blood pressure.
The nurse has just confirmed that tomorrow they are planning to do another CT scan to see how he is doing and also to see if there's any damage. I guess we will be told what the next course of action is after that. Pray now.
I'm off to endure the Northern Line and what's left of the mainline to Colchester.
Finally, a bit of a shocker. That amazing bird's nest Neil carries around on his lower face is sadly no more! He's not been shaved, but the phrase "substantially trimmed" would be quite appropriate. Shelley, Mum and I all agreed that, as they were concerned about it harbouring infections etc., if they needed to trim it they should. Well, they needed to and they did. Lots of it.
Never mind. Hopefully we'll get him back and we can all buy him a pint to sympathise (you just know how much he's going to complain about it!).
Keep thinking of him.
Sunday 04-11-07 2000
Evening All,
I'm just about to go back in again to see Neil for an hour or so before I go home. It just occurred to me that most of you probably have no idea why he's here, other than the basic facts.
He's suffering from a rather nasty condition called Subarachnoid Haemorrhage which has caused all these problems. I've had a little look around the internerd (not much else to do when I'm waiting) and put a few links below which give good information on the condition. It made for very interesting reading and gave me a bit of an insight into what Neil is battling with. Interesting but not pleasant. If you're easily scared then don't bother reading them!
I'm going back in now to see him but will try and post something afterwards, if only a couple of notes to say how he is. I'll tempt him again with thoughts of Guinness.
Keep thinking of him.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=352
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40000757/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/subarachnoid2.shtml
http://www.acnr.co.uk/pdfs/volume4issue3/v4i3management.pdf
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2883.htm
I'm just about to go back in again to see Neil for an hour or so before I go home. It just occurred to me that most of you probably have no idea why he's here, other than the basic facts.
He's suffering from a rather nasty condition called Subarachnoid Haemorrhage which has caused all these problems. I've had a little look around the internerd (not much else to do when I'm waiting) and put a few links below which give good information on the condition. It made for very interesting reading and gave me a bit of an insight into what Neil is battling with. Interesting but not pleasant. If you're easily scared then don't bother reading them!
I'm going back in now to see him but will try and post something afterwards, if only a couple of notes to say how he is. I'll tempt him again with thoughts of Guinness.
Keep thinking of him.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=352
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40000757/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/subarachnoid2.shtml
http://www.acnr.co.uk/pdfs/volume4issue3/v4i3management.pdf
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2883.htm
Sunday 04-11-07 1700
Evening All,
Mum took the early turn this morning enabling me to catch up on about a weeks worth of sleep! This is why there was no earlier update.
Neil has not really shown any improvement since yesterday and the Consultant here at the hospital is still not impressed with the situation. At some point they would like to do another CT scan to enable them to make the decision on whether they operate or not. If they decide not to operate the outlook is pretty grim. Apologies to those who this upsets but I decided at the outset that I would try not to put any spin, false hope or "Lilly-Gilding" on this blog.
That said, I am happy to report that Neil is able to open his eyes again. His blood pressure is a bit unstable. It was a bit low when I went in to see him with Herb, but then it seemed to be quite high after about 3 minutes. Not sure if that's a good thing. Maybe he wasn't too chuffed to hear us talking about old British Bikes in a derogatory fashion. We decided we ought to bring in a small container of Methanol to waft under his nose - that might do the trick!
His temperature is still quite high but it is fluctuating all the time. During the night it appeared to be approaching normal but it has risen again today. The antibiotics are apparently doing their job but will take a while.
I'll try and post another update before I leave here tonight but it might be quite late.
Keep thinking of him.
Mum took the early turn this morning enabling me to catch up on about a weeks worth of sleep! This is why there was no earlier update.
Neil has not really shown any improvement since yesterday and the Consultant here at the hospital is still not impressed with the situation. At some point they would like to do another CT scan to enable them to make the decision on whether they operate or not. If they decide not to operate the outlook is pretty grim. Apologies to those who this upsets but I decided at the outset that I would try not to put any spin, false hope or "Lilly-Gilding" on this blog.
That said, I am happy to report that Neil is able to open his eyes again. His blood pressure is a bit unstable. It was a bit low when I went in to see him with Herb, but then it seemed to be quite high after about 3 minutes. Not sure if that's a good thing. Maybe he wasn't too chuffed to hear us talking about old British Bikes in a derogatory fashion. We decided we ought to bring in a small container of Methanol to waft under his nose - that might do the trick!
His temperature is still quite high but it is fluctuating all the time. During the night it appeared to be approaching normal but it has risen again today. The antibiotics are apparently doing their job but will take a while.
I'll try and post another update before I leave here tonight but it might be quite late.
Keep thinking of him.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Saturday 03-11-07 1900
Hi all,
Nothing new to report really. He's looking quite comfortable but not doing much.
His nurse reckons that they will try and do another CT scan on Monday. The antibiotics seem to be working. His temperature has come down to a more sensible level. I'm not sure what the chest infection actually is but hopefuly he'll beat it in the next couple of days and concentrate on fighting the bigger fight.
The doctor has not asked to see us at all today. My guess, as I said before, is that they want to monitor him further. I can't really say much more at the moment.
I'll go back in to see him shortly and then leave him to get some rest. At the moment the nurses are changing over and we're being forced to watch the X-Factor or someother such rubbish. Mental Cruelty at it's most extreme. Perhaps we should put it on in front of Neil and see if he wakes up and throws something at it.
That's all for now. Keep thinking of him.
Nothing new to report really. He's looking quite comfortable but not doing much.
His nurse reckons that they will try and do another CT scan on Monday. The antibiotics seem to be working. His temperature has come down to a more sensible level. I'm not sure what the chest infection actually is but hopefuly he'll beat it in the next couple of days and concentrate on fighting the bigger fight.
The doctor has not asked to see us at all today. My guess, as I said before, is that they want to monitor him further. I can't really say much more at the moment.
I'll go back in to see him shortly and then leave him to get some rest. At the moment the nurses are changing over and we're being forced to watch the X-Factor or someother such rubbish. Mental Cruelty at it's most extreme. Perhaps we should put it on in front of Neil and see if he wakes up and throws something at it.
That's all for now. Keep thinking of him.
Saturday 03-11-07 15:00
Hi All,
This is the first time I've tried to do a "blog" so I have no idea if it will work, but I'll give it a go.
Neil is still in a critical situation but has shown a small improvement overnight. He has managed to open his eyes at the request of the nurse who is looking after him. I saw this later on this morning too. Hopefully he will maintain this improvement and possibly move further up the scale.
Please understand that this is the first half-step of possibly thousands, but it is at least a step in the right direction.
We were told yesterday that the doctor wants to see us today to discuss the situation further. This may now not be the case as I imagine they will want to monitor the situation further before making any hard-and-fast decisions about what to do next. I'll try and update this site with any news that we get.
I'm just about to go in and see him again. I'll pass on all the messages of support to him. These are massively appreciated by Mum, Shelley and I, and I'm sure by Neil too.
Keep thinking of him - You just never know!
This is the first time I've tried to do a "blog" so I have no idea if it will work, but I'll give it a go.
Neil is still in a critical situation but has shown a small improvement overnight. He has managed to open his eyes at the request of the nurse who is looking after him. I saw this later on this morning too. Hopefully he will maintain this improvement and possibly move further up the scale.
Please understand that this is the first half-step of possibly thousands, but it is at least a step in the right direction.
We were told yesterday that the doctor wants to see us today to discuss the situation further. This may now not be the case as I imagine they will want to monitor the situation further before making any hard-and-fast decisions about what to do next. I'll try and update this site with any news that we get.
I'm just about to go in and see him again. I'll pass on all the messages of support to him. These are massively appreciated by Mum, Shelley and I, and I'm sure by Neil too.
Keep thinking of him - You just never know!
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