Just a few months ago, Brandon was unable to walk, talk, or feed himself. After collapsing at home with meningitis and sepsis, he spent seven weeks in intensive care and was left bedbound and unable to communicate.

But today, Brandon is walking again. He’s returned home. And on his final day at Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre – our specialist neurological service in Bristol – he got down on one knee and proposed to his partner, Jodie.

This is the story of how rehabilitation, sheer determination, and a simple goal changed everything.

Life Before Brain Injury

Before his illness, Brandon had worked as a pipe fitter and welder. Outside of work, he was a passionate snooker player, so much so that he played to a semi-professional standard and has even achieved the coveted 147 break.

“I still follow the sport. I went to the UK Finals recently,” he says. “Ronnie O’Sullivan’s my favourite player.”

Brandon’s life revolved around work, travel, and sport – until one day it all came to an abrupt stop.

Collapse and Hospitalisation

Brandon collapsed at home after contracting meningitis and sepsis. He was rushed to Southmead Hospital and spent seven weeks in intensive care before moving to a high-dependency ward. Eventually, he was transferred to Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) South (Southmead) to begin neurological rehabilitation.

“The Southmead unit saved my life,” he says.

Starting Again

When Brandon arrived at Frenchay, he couldn’t walk, talk, or perform basic daily tasks. He was bedbound and needed a hoist just to be moved.

“I was in a wheelchair,” he says. “For the first three months, I couldn’t even use my phone.”

But things soon began to change. The team at Frenchay provided round-the-clock support, using everything from a buzzer system to printed exercises in his room to help him regain independence.

Setting Big Goals

Brandon’s goal was clear: to walk out of the service and propose to his partner, Jodie.

“I didn’t think at one point I’d ever be able to walk again,” he says. “But that was my aim – to leave Frenchay on my own two feet, and to get down on one knee.”

Jodie, who was by his side throughout, says:

“I always knew how determined Brandon was. He set his sights on discharge from the start, and he just put his mind to it. But I didn’t expect him to propose!”

She attended therapy sessions with him and worked with staff to prepare for his return home.

“The staff were brilliant. They supported me, too, not just Brandon. They reassured me and let me sit in sessions so I could understand what we needed to do.”

Building Strength

When he wasn’t in therapy sessions, Brandon continued strengthening exercises in his room with weights and resistance bands. He steadily improved – at first exhausted after each session, but later able to take part in activities and even enjoy time in the garden.

“I just got stronger each time. At first, I’d sleep after physio. But by the end, I was walking around and didn’t feel tired,” he says.

Practice for Real Life

Brandon went on home visits towards the end of his stay, giving both him and Jodie time to adjust. A few small changes were made to their home, such as a shower seat, but he was able to manage much of his day-to-day life independently.

“I was nervous, of course,” Brandon says. “It had been months. I’d never come home unable to walk properly. But I was ready.”

Jodie adds:

“When they told us he’d be discharged a week early, it was a bit nerve-racking! We were used to having support around all the time. But we figured it out.”

A Double Celebration

The big day came when Brandon walked out of Frenchay – and proposed.

“It felt like it was just the two of us in the room,” he says. “But there were over 30 people there watching!”

Jodie remembers the moment well: “I thought he was just nervous about walking out in front of everyone. But then he went down on one knee, and I realised what was happening. It was amazing.”

Looking Ahead

Brandon is now focused on the future. He stays in touch with others he met during rehabilitation and has even made a visit to see a fellow patient since his discharge.

“I want to go back to work eventually,” he says. “Just get back to some kind of normality.”

His advice to others going through a similar experience?

“Stay determined. Set goals – even if they seem unrealistic at the time. Just go for it.”