26 December 2023 , 14:13
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The UK's longest-hospitalised Covid patient who suffered brain damage as a result of the virus, has had a charity set up in his name as he spends his fourth Christmas away from home.
Steve Laviniere was admitted just three days after Boris Johnson plunged the country into lockdown for the first time in March 2020, almost two weeks after brother Bobby was also hospitalised due to coronavirus. Both were placed into induced comas, but as Bobby recovered and made it home, brother Steve developed a rare neurological condition called acute haemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE).
Popular DJs and music promoters Steve and Bobby who had been touring the world in the weeks before the virus hit and are known as the pioneers of Soulful House in the UK, are now looking to the future. Steve is currently in a care home, where he is unable to walk or talk and has to be fed through a tube, but speaking to the Mirror, Bobby says he has had a great year.
"We are living in our current normal, we have always been a very positive family, it's just how we've been brought up. We've always had the feeling you can fix anything. I can't fix this but we won't give up, " said Bobby.
Steve Laviniere with brother Bobby (Bobby Laviniere)
The twins with their partners (Bobby Laviniere)"Having this experience with Stevie, he keeps going forward. All his organs are healthy, except his brain, we could be so much worse off. He can't talk or move his body but we know he is still there."
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Last month the pair shared their 60th birthday with a lavish party for family and friends, with Bobby managing an amazing five hours out of his care home to spend time with his wife, brother and their guests. Bobby said: "What happened to me being in the coma and what's happened to Stevie, we have always had our beliefs but I feel that now that this has happened we have to do more and I think we can do so much more. We know what it is like to be going through this.
"We are not just identical twins, we are the same, we eat the same, we think the same, I would like to think he would do this and do things for other people, if he were in my position. I know we are going to leave a legacy of music, but I want to do more."
The twins toured the words with their music (Bobby Laviniere)The brothers have now had approval from the charity commission for The Bobby and Steve Foundation which will help people with neurological conditions, both financially and with support and information. Bobby said as music promoters they know how to throw money-making events which draw in the crowds.
The next is on Friday, December 29 when the Dance for Stevie Christmas fundraiser takes place at the Jazz Cafe in London's Camden from 7pm to 3am.