Sister’s moving appeal to raise £10,000 to help bring her brother Michael Walton back home

A loving sister is urging everyone to help her reach her £10,000 target in her bid to bring her stricken brother back home. 

Stephanie Russell issued the plea after her brother Michael Walton, a 30-year-old university professor, spent over 500 days in intensive care at Walton Neurological Hospital in Liverpool. 

Just two years ago, Stephanie was accompanied by Michael on her wedding day – and anniversary she celebrates tomorrow (Monday, 17 August). 

Just days after her wedding, the family’s world turned upside down when Michael underwent the first of a series of invasive brain operations. 

Please donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/…/michael-walton-will-speak-again

Michael, who lived in Banks in West Lancashire, was diagnosed with a brain tumour that has left him unable to breathe by himself, close his eyes or speak. 

Stephanie was delighted that a campaign to raise £4,000 to help purchase a special eye-gaze system to help give Michael a way to speak has proved successful. 

Now their parents, Roger and Margaret, have sold their house so they can buy a new home which they are busy adapting to suit Michael’s needs. 

Stephanie said: “Hi everyone, I don’t usually do things like this but if you could spare a few minutes of your time to read this share, or donate i would really appreciate it!

“Michael is my older brother and just 30 years old, born in Southport, lived in Banks and worked as a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, He was weeks away from finishing his PhD when he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour.

Michael Walton, from Southport, with parents Roger and Margaret

“He is the most intelligent person I’ve ever met, I’ve never seen anyone work so hard to something he loved – Psychology. 

“This has had a devastating effect on Michael’s life, and he has been left not even able to breathe by himself. 

“We have spent 503 days in the Walton Centre intensive care, and now at a local Intensive care unit closer to home.

“If I was honest with myself, it’s broken me and my family. We’ve watched as were told there is nothing more we can do, we’ve watched his daily frustrations of not being able to communicate, and have a basic quality of life,

“Below is my brother’s link for a communication device we have been fundraising for, thankfully and we’re are so humbled this has been achieved.

“However we are still working hard to raise money to bring Michael finally home where he belongs. My parents ( Roger (much loved Caretaker of Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School in Southport for 13 years upto 2009) and Margaret have sold their house, moved to a more suitable property and are working SO hard to adapt and renovate this for Michael, You can follow our journey on Instagram Michaels_journeytohome

“If anyone can spare a few pounds towards bringing Michael home it would be so gratefully appreciated. Everyone deserves a quality of life, even more when your life is so different to what it was before. We are aiming for £10,000 and we are so close!

“I really would appreciate anyone who can share, donate or follow us on instagram and come on this emotional journey with us we understand times are so hard at the moment but as a community I really feel we can come together to help, as it comes upto Michael’s two year surgery anniversary it means more now than ever!

“Much Love, positivity and strength to everyone. 

“Please remember ‘ Time, people and family are precious, you never know what’s around the corner.”

Please donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/…/michael-walton-will-speak-again

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