A Paisley father, Scott Gold, is home for Christmas after spending 16 long weeks hospitalized due to severe head injuries sustained during a night out. The 37-year-old accountant was left with significant trauma, requiring six brain operations and extensive rehabilitation.
The ordeal began the evening after Gold celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with his wife, Stephanie. On August 1, he was knocked to the ground and hit his head, sustaining what doctors described as a "significant skull fracture." After being rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, he spent five weeks in an induced coma at the intensive care unit (ICU) and later transitioned to high dependency care before entering the neurorehabilitation unit.
After months of uncertainty, Scott finally returned home on December 17, just in time for Christmas with his wife and two young sons, Oliver, 5, and Myles, 3. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I just want to curl up on the settee and cuddle my family." Although he is grateful to be home, he faces challenges; the once active footballer will likely never play sports again due to sight issues from his injury.
Stephanie Gold recalled the harrowing moment she learned of Scott's accident. She received a call from one of Scott's friends, followed by another from the police, which filled her with dread. "I asked, ‘Is he alive?’ and all the officer would say was, ‘His fingers are moving, so that's a hopeful sign.’" This prompted her to drive to the hospital, preparing herself for the worst.
Upon arriving, she faced the grim reality when a consultant informed her of Scott’s brain bleed, urging her to prepare for the possibility of losing him. "I was completely in shock but also really confused. How can someone go out for a normal night out and end up like this?" she lamented.
Dr. Calan Mathieson, the consultant neurosurgeon who treated Scott, recounted the precarious nature of his condition. "It really was touch and go for a few weeks, and at the beginning, we feared for the worst. He had suffered serious trauma to his brain, necessitating multiple surgeries and the insertion of a shunt to ease fluid buildup pressure." He noted the gravity of breaking such news to families: "Telling a family they might lose a loved one is never something we take lightly, but we felt it was important they could prepare for the worst."
During his recovery, Scott had to relearn basic life skills, which proved to be challenging. "Everyone did so much to support me, but I have to single out the neurosurgeons and intensive care staff who dealt with many situations where I required emergency treatment. It will be hard to fully describe my appreciation," Scott reflected.
On the day of his discharge from the hospital, he expressed gratitude by visiting staff at the hospital with gifts and thank-you cards. Stephanie shared her appreciation for the NHS, stating, "You read so many negative stories about the NHS, but it’s only when the worst happens you find out how amazing these people are. I can’t really put it all to words how grateful I am."
Gold’s emotional reunion with his family encapsulates the power of love and support during life’s darkest moments. Despite the struggles he faces as part of his recovery, Scott's focus this Christmas is simply about being with his loved ones. "I know I’ll be busy over the festive period, as my friends and family have said they’ll be round to see me, and I’ll cherish every moment," he remarked.
For Scott Gold, this Christmas is not just about returning home; it’s about healing and reconnecting with his family, embodying resilience and the spirit of togetherness. With gratitude for the care he received and hope for the future, he looks forward to spending quality time at home, surrounded by those he loves the most.
