A Scots grandad who was just six hours away from dying after developing sepsis has urged other sufferers to ‘never give up’. Mitch Stevenson began experiencing severe chest pains and was struggling to breathe at his home in East Lothian before being rushed to hospital by ambulance in March 2017.
He was placed into a medically induced coma after Edinburgh medics discovered he had developed double pneumonia as well as having the life-threatening infection in his lungs. After being given a tracheostomy to help him breathe, Mitch, 59, remained unconscious for two weeks with doctors telling his wife Jackie that he would have died if he had arrived six hours later.
The grandad-of-five faced a long road to recovery and had to learn to walk again as well as developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his terrifying ordeal. He took early retirement from his job as a community psychiatrist nurse and entered into a dark period where he struggled to cope.
However, fast-forward five years and Mitch has not only graduated with First Class Honours degree in Media Production at the University of Sunderland but is now pursuing his dream of working in radio. Mitch, who is originally from Airdrie, explained: “For a long time I wasn’t engaging in anything, and I was in a place emotionally and mentally where I didn’t feel worthy.
“I have always had a passion for community radio and did some volunteering before my illness, and it was my wife who Jackie motivated me to go to university. Being at Sunderland has given me the opportunity to prove to myself that it is never too late to pursue your passion and move forward. Coming to the University was the best decision I ever made.”
Mitch, who currently has his own show on Sescot Radio in Dunbar, has a message for anyone who is struggling after experiencing trauma: “Take on board what other people are saying to you, listen to their advice and guidance and embrace their support.
“Five years ago I was six hours from dying and now I’ve just graduated with a First Class Honours degree. All of the support from my family and friends made this happen. Never give up.”
The graduation ceremony last month was bittersweet for Mitch after sadly losing his mother earlier this year. “It was lovely to be able to take a moment and think of her,” he said.
“She always pushed me to chase my dreams and she would’ve loved to have been there on the day.”
Mitch enjoyed his student experience so much he has returned to Sunderland to study an MA in Radio, Audio and Podcasting and will be graduating from this course in November this year.
Richard Berry, Senior Lecturer in Radio at the University, said: “It was wonderful to see Mitch graduate and be able to celebrate his achievements. Mitch joined the course as a top-up student having studied at a college in Scotland and the award of a First Class degree is proof of his determination to succeed.
“I hope this inspires others to follow in his footsteps.”
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