Royal Air Force personnel undertook a long distance run just before Christmas day, in Cyprus, to raise medical funds for a veteran.
Currently deployed to RAF Akrotiri, runners undertook a 25km route on 23rd December around the air base to cover the cost of a life changing operation for Corporal Andy Layton, an ex-Weapons Technician, who suffered a sudden, severe bleed on the brain over 2 years ago leaving him unable to talk, eat and walk.
Organised by II (AC) Squadron, the funds raised will provide Andy the opportunity to undergo a treatment called Phagenyx, which will allow him to regain function of his throat and the ability to swallow. The run, just over half a marathon, is just one of the events to raise money to help Andy, who was on the Squadron when he was rushed to hospital with Blindness, Tachycardia and Breathlessness in May 2021.
“The 25kms of Christmas Fun Run is one of a number of fundraising events that the Squadron and others across the RAF have organised to help Andy get the treatment he needs. Andy is a friend and a popular member of the Squadron so this cause is clearly close to our hearts, and the response from everybody out here and back home has been outstanding.”
Warrant Officer Grimshaw-Else
II (AC) Squadron
At the time of his hospitalisation, Andy’s wife, Helen, was 3 months pregnant, and as it was the height of COVID-19, regular hospital visits were difficult. Andy needed ventilator support via tracheostomy for 7 weeks and continued to require the tracheostomy over the following 6 months to protect his airway through lack of function in his throat. Andy and Helen welcomed their daughter Lyra into the world in November 2021.
Andy remained in hospital until January 2022, when he was transferred into rehab for 6 months, however after many different treatments, the damage to Andy’s throat was too severe and he was unable to regain control of it. The couple used personal savings to pay for Phagenyx treatment, which is outside of the NHS. This resulted in more control of Andy’s vocal cords, return of his reflex cough and sensation and the capability to swallow successfully.
Andy and Helen have the option to receive a further round of the treatment, however it comes at a large cost which they cannot afford now that Andy has been discharged from the RAF. This final time should help Andy’s nerves make a more successful connection to the muscles in his throat allowing him better control.
“This run is a big challenge but more than worth it when we know that all donations will have a significant impact on Andy and his family’s life.”
Warrant Officer Grimshaw-Else
To find out more, follow this link: Just Giving
