Stubbington man praises 'phenomenal' NHS staff who saved his life after extremely rare reaction to the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine

Jamie Roe 28, is ‘happy to be alive’ after complications linked to the first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine led to a seizure and permanent brain damage.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for Southampton General and Queen Alexandra Hospitals from Jamie telling the story of the ‘incredible’ care he received after a blood clot formed on his brain.

Jamie, who still thinks the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks, had four days of extreme headaches before going to the Cosham hospital’s accident and emergency department.

A two-minute seizure led to Jamie being rushed to Southampton General Hospital, where his critical condition was stabilised during a two-week stay and he was taught to walk again.

As a token of his appreciation for the ‘amazing’ health service, Jamie has launched a fundraising campaign to support the two hospitals and plans to take on a 40-mile bike ride when his health allows.

Jamie said: ‘It’s a good job I went to hospital because if I’d had that seizure at home, I potentially would have died so they saved my life.

‘I can’t remember all the nurses’ names but every single person from the catering staff to the highest level of doctors there were incredible.

‘They let me keep my privacy and dignity. Two weeks before that I was living a completely normal life, I was independent. My life has just been turned upside down.’

On receiving the vaccine, Jamie said: ‘I do think the benefits far outweigh the risks and don’t want to scare people into not having it, it was really rare and unfortunate what happened to me.’

When Jamie first woke up in Southampton General Hospital’s intensive care unit, he was scared and confused - with his distress worsening when he realised he could not move his arms or legs.

He was not aware at this point, but his family had been told his life could go either way and he was in a very critical condition.

Jamie began getting the feeling back in his arms and legs, and thanks to the kindness and patience of staff he learned to eat with his hands again, and then took his first shaky steps in the hospital’s gym.

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Jamie, who was taking up to 40 tablets each day, said: ‘As a man, there’s a perception that you don’t cry and show your feelings but being in there and thinking two weeks before I was normal broke me.

‘I remember getting up and I couldn’t physically move my legs. I broke down and I was so angry.

‘Within 10 minutes I started to be able to shift my leg, but I couldn’t remember how to walk. I was very emotional.’

Despite feeling scared and frustrated, Jamie’s experience in hospital was overwhelmingly positive thanks to the care and support of staff who made him feel at ease and helped him to keep his dignity throughout.

One particular nurse called Jose really touched Jamie’s heart, after Jose showed how much he cared for his patients by welling up when he saw Jamie could walk again.

Trainee site manager Jamie has already raised nearly £4,000 which he wants to split between the acute medical unit at Queen Alexandra Hospital and Southampton General Hospital’s neurosciences intensive care unit and D-Neuro ward.

He has decided to give back to the hospitals by raising funds for new equipment, with a £3,0