Dave Wyatt in house fire

We have some shocking news about Dave Wyatt. Dave, an active member of the Sons of the Desert since the 1970s, was rescued from a very serious fire at his home on 9th April. He is reported to have suffered 15% burns.  The Harrow Observer (09.04.09.) said, "Firefighters broke down the door of a burning Kenton home and rescued a semi-conscious man this morning. The victim was helped down from the top floor after the blaze broke out at 6.50am at the semi-detached property. At its height, 20 firefighters in four engines were quelling the flames and the situation was under control by 8.20pm." Dave is in the Burns Unit, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road,London SW10 9NH. The telephone number is 020 8746 8000, should anyone wish to make enquiries. Dave is still heavily sedated and is ventilated, which means that he would not currently be in a position to recognise any visitors. We all hope Dave has a speedy recovery.   UPDATE 26.04.09. Following the terrible fire at Dave's house before Easter, he is in the burns unit of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital - just in case any of you were not yet  aware of this awful news. I had permission to visit him today which I did and thought I would let you know how he is doing in this e-mail (Please pass this information onto your own tent members/friends who know Dave). He is in an isolated ward by himself with 2 carers. He is on ventilation and sedation - the latter to give his skin time to heal. Although he had wires and bits coming from him I was able to talk to Dave and it was brilliant to get the response I did. His eyes lit up and smiled at seeing me (now that doesn't happen too often when people see me!) and he squeezed my hand. I passed on the best wishes of all Sons everywhere, in the UK, Europe and USA because I know from the responses that everyone is thinking of him. He was visibly moved when I said this and smiled when I said some things to amuse him (such as I should have brought him hard boiled eggs and nuts). It was all going in alright and although he cannot speak as such, he was attempting to reply and I understood some of the words by the shape of his mouth. I also asked him to a do a thumbs up if he understood what I was saying and he did so. I told him about the Statue Unveiling, the new Museum and the upcoming Convention in Ulverston next weekend. I told him that I know Sons will rally round to help him in anyway possible but for the time being his concentration should be in getting himself better. He acknowledged this. Our 'conversation' was probably only about 10 minutes and I could see getting very tired so it was time to depart. I am certain that as he closed his eyes he will be content in knowing that the Sons of the Desert will be there when he needs them. He is obviously not up to having regular visitors and think the hospital will let us know when this is more appropriate. At the moment he is in the right place to receive the care and attention that he needs. He is on the mend. . . but it will take time. Roger Robinson