Birmingham patient calls staff ‘miracle workers’ after he is able to walk again 

A man who has been at St Andrew’s in Birmingham for four years has spoken about the joy and pride he feels after staff helped transform both his physical and mental health. 

When Jake* first arrived at the Birmingham site, he had been in a wheelchair for seven years. 

He said: “I had a blocked blood clot in my leg, which travelled to my lung. I was very unwell for quite a long time, and the doctors told me I would never walk again. They said I should prepare to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. 

“That was incredibly hard to hear, but at the time I felt I had no choice, so I adapted.” 

When he was admitted to St Andrew’s, a charity that specialises in complex mental health, Jake was introduced to Jhomary Silvederio, a Highly Specialist Physiotherapist. 

Jhomary said: “No challenge is too great. When I first met Jake, I knew I wanted to do something that might make his life a little easier. When we started working together, I had no idea we’d eventually have him on his feet again, but he was determined and gave 100% every single day.” 

Jake said: “They kept giving me exercises to do, and Jhomary was consistent and relentless. Some days were harder than others, but slowly I started to see progress, and that gave me confidence. 

“It took two years of hard work and dedication before I began to move out of my chair. That moment was glorious. I actually felt hope again - hope that I would walk. Eventually, I was able to take steps, and now I’m walking without a frame or a chair. It feels like a miracle.

“I have so much to thank St Andrew’s for, especially the physio team. They just wouldn’t give up on me. I’ve learned a valuable lesson: even when you’re told something isn’t possible, if you keep trying, it can be.” 

Jhomary added: “The hard work was all Jake. We’re absolutely thrilled for him.”

*patient name has been changed to protect his anonymity