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A lucky escape

• Matt Brandon
• 23 Nov 07, 11:37 AM

This is going to be very short for obvious reasons. On Sunday (11th I'm told) we went out of the hacienda to film some simple shots of the area. I was feeling rougher and rougher with my head pounding to the point where I just couldn't move. Everyone had their fair share of sickness, so I presumed that it was my turn.

By the time we got back all I could manage was to lie in a hammock. It was really hot outside, but I still needed a sleeping bag. The hammock swaying was making me feel worse so someone helped me to one of the small rooms with a bed. Zubin was having a kip in the bed next to me, which was comforting.

After a while he left because we had some filming to do, but there was no way I could get out of bed so the others took control of that. And that's all I remember until about a week ago when I woke up in an intensive care unit in Lima.

I couldn't speak and I couldn't stay awake very long but I do remember Zoe (my wife) and/or Zubin being there whenever I did wake up, and I felt very safe and knew that I was going to be OK.

It turned out that I'd had an abscess on my brain and been evacuated from the jungle (I have vague dream-like memories of a big white flag being waved - apparently to direct a helicopter in for an emergency extraction). I can't express how thankful I am to the whole team here and at home for getting me to Lima so quickly, and for looking after me so well.
Matt is evacuated by helicopter

My Mum and Dad and my brother have been out here. I've talked to my sisters on the phone, countless friends have sent their love and get-well wishes. Sam, our exec producer, and Steve have been out, and Steve is going to take over the rest of this shoot (I'm gutted not to be going myself, but the doctor laughed at me when I suggested it). I'm overwhelmed. Thank you all.

Matt in his hospital bed in Lima

I moved rooms today (Zoe spotted one at the end of the corridor with a view and better light) - it's a bit like being in a hotel! Zubin's coming round to watch the England match later, and hopefully he's going to bring in a bit of pizza. Zoe's been staying in the room on a sofa bed most nights - I've never been in hospital before, and I hope that I never will again, but I've been really lucky this time.

This blog was written in December, after Matt had recovered from his illness and was able to write about the experience.

Read the blogs and see the video and images related to Matt's illness and evacuation

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