PW_2_2023

Article

Salieu’s Story Pauline Newton –West Mercia Branch On the last day of Op Zephyr I met Momodou Salieu Jallow, a determined young man with the will to succeed and a smile that lights up a room. In March 2022, playing leapfrog with school friends, his neck fractured. He underwent emergency surgery but was left quadriplegic. An orphan, with no funds to pay for care, he was returned home and placed on an old, worn bed with no care regime or medical input provided. W hilst in hospital , Buba (visiting a relative) noticed Salieu was always alone, and stepped in to ensure he daily. Salieu’s journey is expected to be a very long and steady one, but there is already renewed hope. He is experiencing sensation in his arms, and whilst still totally reliant on others, he is determined to do all he can for himself.

received basic requirements such as food and water. Without his unwavering support this story would probably end here. Home for Salieu and his brother Yorro was a tin shack, with no electricity or running water and all cooking done on an open fire in a single pot just outside the door. Daily temperatures were regularly 30 degrees, with sun bearing down on the tin roof. Tiny rays of light flooded through the holes, as no doubt rain would too. His brother worked all day, every day, to provide the basics for them both. Salieu is unable to sell groundnuts, as he once did, but they always spent nights here together. Buba, with no nursing training, but a quick learner, continued to visit and provide support on a daily voluntary basis, whenever and however he could. Unfortunately, Salieu’s condition deteriorated, and he developed deep pressure sores on his hips and sacrum - love, hope and goodwill alone was not sufficient. Desperate for help, Buba sought support from the mayor’s office, and intervention from there led to a medical examination. Salieu had sepsis, pneumonia, his wounds were necrotic, and being blunt, he was dying. It was at this point I met him. Taking part in the maiden mission of ESAC, with over 50 others with links to the emergency services, and having successfully delivered 18 emergency vehicles and lots of equipment to the community, my path crossed with Andy from the mayor’s office. I visited Salieu, the day before his emergency transfer back to hospital. He bravely accepted his situation, understood it was desperate (no money all too often means no treatment) but he did not ask for anything or complain once. Instead, he smiled and with little spoken English, Buba interpreted Mandinka. Our chatter was light-hearted, intertwined with much laughter. Salieu’s huge smile was imprinted in my memory forever and as I left Gambia, I vowed to do what I could. On arrival at hospital Salieu underwent treatment. With limited funds pledged by supporters, medication was prescribed, treatment of his wounds took place in theatre and a dressing regime was put in place. He began to improve, and intensive physio is being provided three times

Buba, Salieu and Connie

With medical facilities few and far between, an opportunity to create a clinic to support the community was grasped by a local nurse. Although the clinic still requires medical equipment and supplies, Salieu was transferred there. He will be given his own room for as long as he needs it, with equipment and supplies donated by Connaught Care, Accora and Acticare. It is hoped that by fundraising we can give Salieu the best chance to get well. Buba continues to support Salieu on a daily basis and he has now been joined by Nurse Connie, Modou and Edward, with Andy being a regular visitor and Yorro staying overnight. This team give round the clock care and have, without doubt given renewed hope, where once life itself was doubtful. Salieu has improved considerably with the ongoing support of so many wonderful people. I created a Just Giving page to support Salieu, who is just 17 years old, his progress is regularly updated on the JG page and he’ll be overjoyed to share his journey with you. The funds pay for his ongoing medical treatment which, once his sores heal, will reduce to almost £500 a month for life (due to the nature of his injury). With the ongoing involvement of ESAC,

Salieu

gift aid is available. Every penny raised is for Salieu and in turn the clinic

which supports the community.

Salieu’s own home

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POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023