***** re KEN SIMM *****

THIS IS ABSOLUTE FACT..

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 21st 2025, 17:31
Subject: Ken. 

Hello Emma,

Thank you for writing to enquire about Ken. I'm his wife. 

Ken collapsed on the 20th December and was found to have a tear in his aorta. He was airlifted to Edinburgh Royal where he underwent 5 hours of emergency surgery. I was told to prepare myself for the worst, but fortunately the surgery was a success. What has hampered his recovery is that he had Influenza and a very serious chest infection. He also suffered a stroke in the operating theatre. He was intubated for 3 weeks, but fortunately has been off mechanical ventilation for the past week now./He is still in ICU, but now in Glasgow which is slightly easier for me to visit (5 hour round trip rather than 7 hours). Whilst I can be totally sure, I'm not seeing too much damage from the stoke. But he is still terribly weak, and having had a tube down his throat for three weeks means his voice is weak and a bit slurred. But he can read, and use his right hand and arm. Unfortunately his left arm and hand are very weak, and he's left-handed so it may be some time before he can paint again. But with determination he'll get there./

I'm hoping that once he is able to swallow safely and eat solid meals, that they will transfer him to a nearer hospital in Oban and then I can visit more frequently./

I'll let him know you have been asking after him. He has his Tablet in hospital with him, and we are setting it up so he can read, as reading is a passion of his. The Tablet also has an attached keyboard, so I'm sure when he is able he will contact you all.

Once again, thank you for enquiring about him. I'll make sure he reads your letter when I next go in to visit him. Kind regards, Helen.

Reviews

[Gee]

That's knocked me sideways. Ken has always dropped in with kind words and encouragement and is greatly admired and respected.
Not being one to offer up prayer I'll keep everything crossed that he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Please pass on my best wishes

[emmajoygreen]

Whatever your prayer it's wrapped in sincerity Gee. Ken will know that in due course, promise. Please see some of my responses above to confirm more. Hope your day goes safely.

[Coyote Poetry]

Again dear Emma. Thank you for the update. I will keep him in my prayers.
Coyote

[redzone]

So very sorry to hear about what Ken is going through. From what I know about Ken, he is a real human being, kind, and generous in his support for the WC writers, as well as a wonderful poet himself.

My heartfelt wishes for a full recovery goes out to him. And to you Helen, as you give him the comfort and love he needs to heal. He is missed and his return will be celebrated!
-Curt

[emmajoygreen]

To my long time friend, a true gentleman , artist, photographer and so much more. I and all your other friends hope you will soon be back with us. Warm and best wishes to both you and Helen.

[Robert Trakofler]

Thank you for sharing this with us I was wondering where he has been:/ sounds a lot like what I went through:( hoping he has a good recovery and rehabilitation

[emmajoygreen]

many thanks, your name and message will be passed on, Bunny

[Sami Khalil]

Speedy recovery and best of wishes Ken Simm.
You are loved and admired.
Stay healthy, strong and prolific in art and writing.
All sincere prayers and blessings come your way.

[emmajoygreen]

Thank you so much. Your name and thoughts will be passed on, Sami

[Sami Khalil]

Thank you kindly. Much obliged.

[Ladysue]

I am so sorry to hear this. He is a gifted artist. Sending heartfelt wishes for a speedy full recovery.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, your name and thoughts will be passed on, sue.

[Ladysue]

Thank you dear friend. Much appreciated.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am so sorry to hear this. Ken has been a really good friend for so many years on this site. He is a wonderful artist who draws beautiful settings with his words.
My thoughts and prayers are with him. WC needs him.
j.

[emmajoygreen]

had responded but gone now.. so will repeat a very sincere thank you, jacob. Your name will be or has been sent on. :)

[D. Mansfield]

In the short time I've been on here, it's very obvious who the backbone of this site are. And Ken is most definitely one of them. Ken thank-you for all your kindness in reviewing our work. Godspeed in your recovery. With luck it will be just a bump in the road for you.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks: your name will be forwarded to Ken and Helen. :)

[John the Baptist]

Here's hoping for Ken's complete recovery. He is a great artist.

[emmajoygreen]

Many thanks, sir. I plan to send members' names to his wife, Helen, in the next few days. Ken will probably smile and be his usual self when he knows how many people care. Hopefully it won't be long when he can join us all once more!

[Kelly Scheppers]

A kinder soul of a man you'll never find. We are so fortunate to have his talents on these boards! Best wishes, light and love for a most speedy recovery, Ken!

[emmajoygreen]

On his behalf thank you very much. Will forward all the names to Helen and suggest they can be saved here with me or.. I can and will forward them if Ken's unlikely to be reading them or she able to.. Will ensure he knows about everyone's concern and kind messages.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Em! My best to you, as well!

[emmajoygreen]

Thank you.. known that gentleman from the day i slid into the WC, learned so much from him, not merely about painting and writing. Then both times when first Sarah and then Joshua our older brother was dying and then.. flew away, he was as near an angel of kindness. No wonder so many people are showing their sincere feelings for him.