A tooth root infection almost cost Darryl his life. Now he is on a long path to recovery.

On 31st of August Darryl's life changed as he was rushed to hospital unable to speak or use the right side of his body.

Scans showed infection on his brain caused by the root of a tooth he had removed 8 months earlier. He was flown by Life Flight from New Plymouth to Wellington for emergency surgery to save his life. The Dr’s had to remove a section of his skull, address the infection in the brain and remove the tooth root. Due to the swelling and infection around his brain the bone was left out. This will hopefully be replaced in a few months.

After several days on life support Darryl turned a corner and has started the long journey to recovery. After 3 weeks he was able to leave hospital to the care of his family.

Darryl still has a long way to go to full recovery. He still has more surgery, speech therapy, physio and Antibiotic infusions to go.

Darryl’s family are doing their best to support his every need, but right now he has lots of unknowns. He doesn’t know when he will be able to work again. His work is being very supportive, but his leave will eventually run out and so will his savings. This is causing Darryl a huge amount of stress, which we are trying to avoid while his brain recovers.

We have set up this page on Darryl’s behalf as an anonymous, no-obligation way to help Darryl, as we have had a number of people ask how they can be of help. For everyone who takes the time to give or share, thank you. Every little bit will make a difference to Darryl.