A GRANDFATHER from Kidderminster made it home in time to celebrate his 78th birthday - just weeks after his family were called into hospital to say their goodbyes.

John Maiden, who has a rare brain condition, was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on July 19 after suffering serious seizures following a nasty fall at home.

Unconscious and in need of breathing support, John was immediately taken to the resuscitation area in A&E, where his worried family members were told he was unlikely to pull through.

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But despite doctors' predictions, John's condition began to improve and after spending more than a day unconscious, he finally woke up.

Following further checks, he was transferred to the medical high care and short stay ward, where his 24-year-old granddaughter Simone works as a senior health care assistant.

Simone said: "I really thought we were going to lose him. When he finally woke up I had my fingers and toes crossed that he could go to my ward."

Kidderminster Shuttle:

John spent a week on the ward, surrounded by his family members including wife of 56 years Veronica.

He initially needed an oxygen supply to breathe and was unable to walk or talk, but after a week of treatment John's breathing had vastly improved and he was moved into a short stay bed.

John's family knew he was on the mend when on July 29 he managed to sing Happy Birthday to his son.

And three weeks later on August 15, after 27 days in hospital, John was able to return home - a day before his 78th birthday.

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Granddaughter Simone, who is also from Kidderminster, said: "I want to thank all of the staff at the hospital so much.

"I couldn’t have wished for him to have been in better hands. Grandad will still battle with his progressive supranuclear palsy, but with the support of his family he will not be alone with it.

“I’m so proud to work on medical high care and short stay and my whole family are so grateful for the care of the staff on the ward.”

John celebrated his birthday on August 16 with a fish and chip dinner with family.