Father-of-two being cared for at University Hospital Llandough marries partner whilst learning how to walk again
03.12.2024
A father-of-two being cared for at University Hospital Llandough’s Specialist Rehabilitation Unit married his long-term partner, whilst learning how to walk again.
Earlier this year, 38-year-old Gareth Morgan from Port Talbot discovered he had a life-changing health condition.
In the early hours of Saturday 20th April 2024, Gareth, a carpet-fitter and father of two, woke up unable to feel or move his legs. He had been suffering with back ache for the week prior, and believed it was simply a pulled muscle.
Gareth was taken to Morriston Hospital where it was discovered he had lost feeling from his chest down and underwent surgery that same day, where seven spinal abscesses were removed.
Five weeks after his surgery, Gareth was transferred to the Specialist Rehabilitation Unit at University Hospital Llandough. His mobility had been greatly affected, and he had a long road to recovery ahead of him.
With the help of the various teams at the University Hospital Llandough, Gareth worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation, focusing on wheelchair and mobility skills, whilst navigating living away from his loved ones.
Despite this incredibly difficult time, on 23rd August, and whilst an inpatient at University Hospital Llandough, Gareth married his long-term partner, Samantha.
The pair had been together for 23 years before getting married and despite the devastating few months the pair had been through, they decided to go ahead with their big day.
“We have been engaged for years but we could never decide what sort of thing we wanted,” Gareth said.
“We planned the wedding in six weeks as we wanted something to look forward to after a rubbish few months.
“The wedding day was amazing, very relaxed and stress free, it was beautiful from start to finish."
The pair got married at the Grand Hotel in Port Talbot, surrounded by loved ones.
Gareth is hugely grateful for the healthcare colleagues at the Spinal Rehabilitation Unit for giving him the confidence to go ahead with the day.
He said: “The spinal rehabilitation unit give me my independence back; the nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, Dr Shanbhag, the rehab coaches have all helped me along the way. Even the cleaners always had time for a chat and to check in to see how I was."
“They were all brilliant. I made some amazing friends which also helped with my recovery, friends I will have for life.”
On November 14th 2024, Gareth was discharged from the rehabilitation unit and the team are extremely proud of all his progress and determination. He is now adjusting to living at home again, with his children and new wife, Samantha.