THE family of a Worcestershire man who suffered a brain aneurysm are raising funds for the rehabilitation unit which is proving vital to his recovery.

Grandfather John Marshman of Upton is lucky to be alive after suffering the aneurysm in June which has left him so far unable to walk.

The 58-year-old was admitted to hospital in Coventry before being transferred to the Leamington Rehabilitation Unit where he is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation.

The agricultural worker and grandfather-of-four who grew up in Hallow and attended Martley School hopes to get back on his feet and recover as much of his independence as possible thanks to intensive therapy at the unit, managed by South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Marshman returned to his home in Upton and complained of feeling unwell before he collapsed.

Mr Marsham is now working hard with staff to develop his cognitive and thinking skills and undergoing intensive physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and is improving his practical skills to restore his independence.

One of Mr Marshman’s daughters, mother-of-one Laura Jones, aged 27, who owns and manages the Tres Chic Hair salon in St John’s, Worcester, said it had been a grade four aneurysm (five being the worst) in the centre of his brain which caused a severe stroke.

In total 13 coils have been used to secure the aneurysm and part of his skull had to be removed to relieve the pressure. She said it had been a very emotional time for the family.

Mrs Jones said: “He’s a very positive man. The staff at the unit are brilliant. We were told that he wasn’t going to survive.

"We are lucky he’s alive to be honest and we felt we wanted to give something back."

Mrs Jones and sister Sarah Marshman who works at Clarins have organised a Ladies Pamper Evening at the Tres Chic Hair Salon in Malvern Road, St John’s, on Wednesday, November 4 between 6.30pm and 9pm.

The family also have 1,000 raffle tickets to sell (£1 each) which they hope will raise cash for brain injury appeal at Leamington.

It will contribute to the appeal which aims to raise £235,000 to support people at the unit who have suffered an acquired brain injury, stroke or tumour.

The funds will be used to enhance the facility, supporting its future as a national centre of excellence.

Raffle prizes include a Worcester Warriors signed shirt, Morgan Motors factory tour tickets, a meal for two at the Farriers Arms, chocolate and wine hampers, beauty gifts supplied by No7, Clarins, Adore, Beauty and Joico.

The draw will take place on Wednesday, November 4.

For more information contact the salon on 01905 420234.