‘Best Xmas present ever’ as Tracy is allowed home

Tracy Geldart (51), of Rosegrove, was finally discharged from hospital on Monday and said it feels wonderful to be home with partner Mark Gornall (50).

Both are now looking forward to the future after they marry on Tuesday at Burnley Register Office surrounded by 20 close family and friends.

They planned to spend Christmas Day at home cooking a festive lunch.

Tracy, who needs 24-hour care, said she feared she would not be home for the festive season or her big day after her discharge date, originally given as September 9th, kept getting put back as her care package had not been finalised.

Last week the couple were told Tracy would not be coming home in time for Christmas but, at the eleventh hour, health bosses agreed she could be discharged.

After the accident Tracy spent months in the specialist spinal injuries unit at Southport Hospital but since early October had been cared for at a private nursing home in Preston.

Staff at the home even took her shopping for a wedding dress last week.

Tracy said: “I didn’t believe I was coming home until I actually got here. I can’t find the words to describe what it feels like when you keep being told you will be allowed home and then you aren’t. You’ve got people making decisions about your life who have never met you.”

Mark added: “Having Tracy home in time for Christmas is the best present ever but we had to fight to get her here. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster.”

Both are looking forward to the wedding on Tuesday. “I’m feeling quite calm about the wedding,” said Tracy.

“People keep asking me if I’m nervous but I’m not because I’ve had so many other things to think about. It’s going to be a good day.”