Father of Two Faces Long Road to Recovery After Ladder Fall

A father of two is currently facing a challenging recovery after suffering life-threatening injuries from a fall at his home. Scott Blankley, a 47-year-old director of a construction company, fell three storeys from a ladder while working on an extension at his home in Bristol. The accident occurred last month when he was painting the roof and lost his footing, leading to catastrophic injuries.

The fall first took Scott to the first floor of his home, where he broke 11 ribs, his collarbone, and several thoracic vertebrae. He also sustained damage to a lung and a kidney before landing on the ground and hitting his head, which resulted in a bleed to the brain. Despite the severity of his injuries, Scott survived and was rushed to Southmead Hospital.

After spending the initial week in the intensive care unit, Scott has been in the neurology ward for the past month, working hard to regain his strength. His brother, Kai, noted that Scott has made remarkable progress in his physical recovery, but there are still significant challenges ahead, particularly regarding his mental health.

Support and Fundraising Efforts

Scott’s family has rallied around him during this difficult time, with Kai expressing the emotional toll it has taken on them all. “It’s been really hard taking it all in,” he stated. “We’re all just trying to rally around Jo and the kids at the moment.”

Scott’s partner, Jo, along with their two children, is receiving support from the community, which has come together to help fund Scott’s long-term care. A fundraising page established by Kai has already raised nearly £14,000, with donations pouring in from friends and family. Kai described the response as “incredible,” emphasizing the importance of communal support during this challenging time.

To further assist with their fundraising efforts, Kai and a group of friends are organizing a 24-hour rowing challenge at Old Redcliffians RFC in Bristol on April 18-19, 2024. The team aims to row a total of one million metres, showcasing both their determination and solidarity. “We thought we’d take on this 24-hour rowing challenge to support Jo and the kids in any way we can,” Kai explained. A raffle with numerous donated prizes will also take place to bolster fundraising efforts.

A Journey of Recovery

Scott’s recovery process has been arduous. Currently, part of his skull has been removed to relieve pressure and monitor the bleed on his brain, leaving it exposed for the time being. Despite this, there are signs of improvement. He has transitioned from life support and tube feeding to breathing independently and consuming soft foods.

Kai remarked on the remarkable care Scott has received at Southmead Hospital, stating, “It’s really incredible what they’ve managed to do for him so far; it’s a miracle.” Although Scott has not yet regained full speech capabilities, he is able to communicate simple messages through gestures and a few words.

As Scott continues his recovery journey, his family remains hopeful. The potential for his transfer to a rehabilitation centre in Frenchay is on the horizon, offering further opportunities for recovery. While the path ahead may be long, the support of the community and his family provides a strong foundation for Scott as he works towards regaining his life and independence.