The family of Bristol music fan ‘Big Jeff’ Johns has issued an update on his condition after he was seriously injured in a house fire at his Totterdown flat. Jeff is still in hospital but treatment has begun and his family has thanked well-wishers for their support so far.
In a statement from Jeff’s family and his art manager, Lee Dodds, the update on his condition says Jeff is likely to remain in hospital for ‘many months’. The well-known music fan who attends most gigs in the city, was involved in an accidental fire whilst cooking at home on June 6.
The statement says: “Jeff has been treated in Swansea Morriston hospital for severe burns. He is stable in intensive care, but still under heavy sedation and unconscious whilst a series of procedures and skin grafts are beginning.
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“He is expected to remain in hospital for many months, and is unable to receive any visitors for the time being. His family and close friends would like to thank everyone for the enormous outpouring of love and support, and ask that people still keep Jeff in their thoughts.”
As well as a popular fixture at Bristol gigs for many years, Big Jeff, 39, is also a talented artist and launched his first exhibition in the city last year.
Friends of Jeff have already set up a playlist on Spotify called ‘Play a record for Big Jeff’. Jeff’s family has asked for people to keep Jeff in their thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Jeff’s Welcome To My World exhibition in 2021 featured 34 artworks that challenged perceptions of anxiety. The paintings, some of which had a musical influence, were created to instigate conversations about mental health and inspire people in similar situations to get creative themselves.
Jeff said at the time: “Art for me has been about expressing emotions I can’t explain another way. These paintings highlight my issues with hidden anxiety and mental health and the barrier these create.
“How people see me is one thing - but internally I sometimes feel completely different. I use art as a way of expressing things that aren’t always easy to discuss.
“My first painting was of a music artist called Raggs. The painting came together around a blurry photo I had taken at a gig - I began to paint an imaginary world around her image.”
The Play a record for Big Jeff playlist is private at the moment but if people want to suggest a song, they can tag in the social media pages. Within half an hour of being posted, the original statement about the fire prompted hundreds of responses on his Instagram page.
One person commented: "This is so very sad to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeff to get well and to his family. You are truly loved by so many Jeff. Hang in there bud."
Jeff’s family say there will be regular updates on his social channels @bigjeffjohnsart and his website www.bigjeffjohnsart.com
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