Seafarer supported by Stella Maris returns home at Christmas

Joe O'Donnell - SM chaplain

Source: Stella Maris

A Latvian seafarer who had to spend several months in hospital in Glasgow received one of the best gifts he could get for Christmas - after a long and difficult recovery, he will be discharged tomorrow (19 December) and will be home in time for Christmas with his family.

The 44-year-old, who had been working out of Cairnryan for many years, collapsed earlier this year from a massive heart attack at work. He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. His prognosis was grave, and he was too unwell to travel home for surgery.

Thankfully Deacon Joe O'Donnell, senior area port chaplain for Scotland, stepped in to support Jānis (not his real name). Joe accompanied him through every stage of his treatment. A heart transplant was identified as his only hope of survival, and thanks to swift medical intervention a suitable donor was found. Jānis underwent the surgery, and began the long process of recovery.

Throughout his time in hospital, Deacon Joe and Robert King, Stella Maris regional port chaplain for the Clyde, visited Jānis every day, providing him with pastoral and practical support.

They were constantly by his side, making sure Jānis did not feel alone and isolated, and had everything he needed to make his stay in hospital comfortable. They provided friendship and care through this critical time. Joe also arranged for Jānis' wife to fly over from Latvia to be with her husband for several weeks, giving him much-needed family support at a time of uncertainty.

With ongoing physiotherapy and dedicated care, Jānis has made remarkable progress. He is now mobile and well enough to travel, and is preparing to return home. A Christmas gift he once thought out of reach.

Please say a prayer for seafarers and fishers this Christmas.
And if you can help please visit: https://stellamaris.org.uk/christmas/

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