Legendary Bristol music fan Jeff Johns has shared a message with friends and supporters that he’s ‘still alive’ and ‘still kicking’ as he prepares the next stage of his recovery from a fire which nearly killed him.
Known as ‘Big Jeff’, the artist and gig-goer shared a video message with his friends with the news that he will be returning to continue his recovery at Southmead Hospital, after more than two months in the severe burns unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
Big Jeff was seriously injured by the fire at his home in Totterdown on June 6, spent more than three weeks in an induced coma and eight weeks in intensive care in hospital as doctors battled to save his life.
Read more: Big Jeff says he's 'lucky to be alive' after house fire
But now, having survived - albeit without his familiar big hair - the live music fan thanked medical staff at Morriston Hospital for their care.
“I’m still here in Morriston Hospital, which is just outside of Swansea, and I just wanted to let everyone know that I’m still alive, I’m still kicking,” he said.
“The staff here have been doing a wonderful job, the physios have been doing absolute wonders and making sure that I’m able to walk and almost feed myself now, pretty much.
And I hope to be back in Bristol really soon,” he added.
Messages of hope, love and support flooded in for Big Jeff after the fire, and he was given a series of ‘get well messages’ and shout-outs by bands performing live at Glastonbury Festival, including Bedminster punk rockers Idles.
Footballers at his beloved Forest Green Rovers, also shared a tribute to Big Jeff in the first home game of the season.
His family shared his video, saying Jeff wanted to share it with everyone who had wished him well. “Jeff will be returning to continue his recovery at Southmead Hospital. We’ll have more updates next week. Thanks for the continued love and support.”
He’s been spending his time in hospital listening to BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Maryanne Hobbs, and sharing his progress with her on Twitter. Yesterday he said he was awaiting transfer to Southmead. “One nervous step home and one major step to making as well near full recovery,” he said, sharing a video of his walking rehab, adding that when he eventually does leave he might move in with family to continue his recovery.
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