Man who survived multiple organ failure opens new business in Stoneleigh

4:41pm Monday 12th December 2011 in Epsom

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

A man who defied the odds to survive multiple organ failure whilst on holiday in Mexico has just opened a new ‘shabby chic’ furniture shop in Stoneleigh.

Gary Nader, from Ewell Village, was given a one in 50 chance of survival after developing severe pancreatitis in 2004 whilst in Cancun with his wife Marina.

the 40-year-old, who was treated at a private hospital in Cancun, was put into an induced coma for five weeks after his lungs collapsed and was flown home in a private plane at a cost of £266,000 to his insurance company – costing him just £25.

he said: “I woke up in St Helier and I had renal failure and diabetes.

“Because my lungs collapsed and my kidneys failed my body shut down which is what the body does to protect the heart.

“I had to learn how to do everything again from walking to swallowing.”

Pancreatitis causes an inflammation of the pancreas and can be the result of excessive alcohol or gall stones.

Symptoms include sudden stomach pain, vomiting and nausea and in severe cases, patients develop abscesses or dead tissue which can cause kidney and lung failure.

Seven years on Mr Nader has made a full recovery despite being left with diabetes, and has opened a new furniture shop, Tresoros, in Stoneleigh with business partner, Tania Johnstone.

Miss Johnstone, from Epsom, said: “There are lots of places that sell beautiful thing but they are just so expensive.

“In this economic climate people want beautiful things and stylish interiors which are affordable.

“What we really wanted to do was create a business where we could allow people to buy stylish interiors at a reduced price.”

their new shop was officially opened on Friday, December 9 to packed crowds.

Mr Nader said: Friday was just amazing.

“It was just incredible.

“We sold so much that we had to stop people and say I’m sorry you’ll have to wait until next week, or the shop would have been empty.

“I have always wanted to work for myself.

“I’m working more hours but you don’t care when it’s for yourself.”

the shop will also be showcasing the work of local artists Ella Richards and Murray James.

For more information on Tresoros call 02081270366

Read these Epsom stories