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louotter
Forum Member
Australia
2 Posts |
 Posted - 24/10/2005 : 2:47:56 PM
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Hi All
I saw recently while searching for information on the actor Jon Blake who was in The Lighthorsemen, messages from Diane about trying to make contact about how Jon is going....a response from diane said there was to be an article on Jon Blake to be written by Peter Phelps (actor) on him in Womens Day.
I just rang Womens Day and left my details to find out more about the article and if there is a way to send messages to Jon.
I will let everyone know through here if I have sucess
Louise
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Grant
Advanced Forum Member
Canada
443 Posts |
Posted - 26/10/2005 : 05:25:01 AM
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| G'Day Louetter: Your news about this probable article on Jon in "Women's Day" by "Phelpsie" sounds great. He's a very close personal friend of the Blake family. Some years ago my one Aussie friend who lives in the States, & is about to go home once more to see her relatives Down Under, found me another article with colour photos. I think that too was from "Woman's Day". At any rate it was about the really unusual kidnapping of Jon by a female fan, early on & poor Mascot had to have the police locate & rescue him! Even then so-called friends of his were disputing her looking after him as main carer! So we shall look for your follow up on this with great interest. Grant. |
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Grant
Advanced Forum Member
Canada
443 Posts |
Posted - 11/11/2005 : 06:35:51 AM
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| G'Day Louotter: Sorry I misspelled your name last time! I just found my article clipping from "Woman's Day" - February 12th 1996! Written by Brian Blackwell & titled "Jon Blake's Bizarre Kidnapping - The tragic star's mum breaks her silence on his darkest days." Pictures in colour by David Hahn. A large one of Mascot seated at her piano & Jon's oil painting of his head & shoulders in character from "The Lighthorsemen" film on the wall in back of her. A smaller photo of the two of them together before his accident & one of him in bed then in 1996! She must be 80 today & he will now be 45? Let's hope soon we may have more news from you re "Woman's Day" & also that our other lady involved manages to visit with Mascot? Sincerely, Grant. |
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louotter
Forum Member
Australia
2 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2006 : 06:18:20 AM
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Hi All
I never did hear anything more from Womens Day or Peter Phelps.
I am posting this message late as my PC has crashed more times than I care to remember.
Hopefully one day we will gain an insight into how to contact Jon and his mum
anyone still trying? I am |
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lethal
Forum Member
Australia
33 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2006 : 4:40:07 PM
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Hi,
Just to give a bit of an update on both Jon Blake and Peter Phelps.
I spoke with Shirely Phelps, Peter's mum (Phelp's are relatives of mine) and asked her if she had heard anything about Peter doing an article on Jon. Shirley rang me back a couple of days later after speaking with Peter, and he has not had any visited Jon Blake or Jon's mum, for quite some time, he said that he and a few of the boys from the Lighthorsemen film would often get together and visit Jon and that Jon's mother, was caring for him full time.
I believe she had been a very well known musician, but has put aside her career to care for her son.
When Peter last visited the Blake's, Jon was still in a coma.
Peter Phelps has told me to pass on to all on the forum, that if you have any questions for him, whether it be about the film The Lighthorsemen or whatever, he is more than happy to try and answer them.
You can email me and I will pass them on.
Regards Lindsay
L & C Gunston |
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paul.edgar
Forum Member
New Zealand
4 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2006 : 6:39:26 PM
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Hi All
I would be very grateful for any information about how to contact Mascot Blake. Mascot & my Mum (now in her 80's) were best friends at school in Greymouth, New Zealand in the 1930's. My mum has often talked about Mascot and has been keen to get in contact with her for a number of years. Mascot was a musician (violin) - and a foundation member of New Zealand's National orchestra. I really hope someone is able to able to help me contact her.
Paul Sulzberger
paul.edgar@xtra.co.nz
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janie
Forum Member
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2006 : 09:56:37 AM
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| is there anything jons many fans can do to help,such as fund raising?iv tried for years to find out how he is,thank god for the internet.best wishes to jon and his mum |
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Sandra
Veteran Forum Member
Australia
1964 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2006 : 7:30:55 PM
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It is Jon's Birthday today :)
Happy Birthday Jon Blake :)
Bright Blessings
Sandra |
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mdpmum
Forum Member
Australia
1 Posts |
Posted - 20/03/2007 : 2:37:12 PM
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Hi all.
This is the first time that I have accessed this site,and it is great to hear that so many people still keep Paul (Jon's real name) in their thoughts. I have been a friend of Paul's for well over 25 years, and have known Mascot quite well since Paul's accident.
I keep in touch with them both quite frequently and I would like to reassure you that Paul is receiving the very best of care, due entirely to the ongoing support and direction of his mother. He has nurses around the clock, and is living at his family home in Sydney, which has been modified to suit his needs.
I would like to clear up the misconception that Paul is a "vegetable and a quadraplegic". He does have an aquired brain injury from his accident that has left him in what is medically called a "locked-in state". He recognises family and friends, and communicates via blinking a number of times for "yes" and a different number of times for "no". He is also able to give a "thumbs-up" response to questions. He spends his day in bed and arm chairs, has regular baths and although he needs to be fed he does not need any tubes for feeding and eats from a spoon. He is able to watch TV, and enjoys music and being read to, and obviously enjoys the company of people he knows. He is regularly visited by his son and close friends.
I know Mascot would be very happy that people still think of Paul often, send their regards and still gain enjoyment from the films he made. He certainly was on of the most talented actors I have ever known.
I hope to see both Mascot and Paul in the not to distant future, and will take my laptop to show Mascot your notes of support.
As I'm sure you understand, Mascot, his family and friends are very protective of his privacy. Over the years, Mascot has had to deal with many difficult situations and many manipulative people. She gave up her very sucessful career with the Sydney Orchastra to care for Paul full time, and although she is getting on in years she has the stamina and drive of someone a half her age. She is a wonderful role model and someone for whom I have the greatest admiration. If she is ever at the point where she can no longer care for him, I am sure his family and friends will assist. Paul would be the first to ask people to find out more about "locked-in syndrome", so that they can develop empathy and understanding for the many people who have aquired a brain injury that may leave them in this state. He has always been someone who jumps at the opportunity to champion a cause. I hope this fills in some gaps about his current state and offers some degree of comfort to all those people who think of him often and are concerned about his current situation. When I see Mascot and Paul next, I will update you on his progress, if Mascot is comfortable with this. Cheers for now, mdpmum.
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Sandra
Veteran Forum Member
Australia
1964 Posts |
Posted - 21/03/2007 : 5:55:11 PM
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Thank you ever so much for the update on Jon.
Ironically I watched the movies again a few weeks ago.
Best wishes Jon (Paul) and Mascot ...
Bright Blessings
Sandra |
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joye dempsey
Advanced Forum Member
Australia
265 Posts |
Posted - 22/03/2007 : 03:20:23 AM
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Hello mdpmum
There is a saying, “God couldn’t be everywhere, and so He created Mothers”. Mascot epitomises motherhood. Not only is she there for her son, but also she gave up an established career. I am sure that she has no regrets, and that he would do the same for her, but I was so moved by your plea on behalf of Paul, for people to ‘find out about ‘Locked in Syndrome’, that I got on the web – only just got off. I hadn’t heard of it before, but for those interested, if you put something like, “brain injury medically called a "locked-in state" into good old Google there is quite a lot of information.
Perhaps being a writer, one posting in particular jumped out at me. It is on the Baylor University Medical Centre site, (they have a quarterly, peer-reviewed medical journal). WWW.baylorhealth.edu/proceedings/ in Dallas, Texas. The article in question is “From Quinlan to Schiavo: medical, ethical, and legal issues in severe brain injury.” The corresponding author is Robert L. Fine, MD. (e-mail: rl.fine@BaylorHealth.edu). It was apparently presented at internal medicine grand rounds, Baylor University Medical Center, in April 5, 2005.
At first, like other articles, it was sad and depressing. It started off with courageous Terry Schiavo’s life and death battle. I was looking for medical solutions and was going to go to the next posting, but something made me read on. In the sixth section, this ‘Fine’ man deals with ‘Locked-in state’, outlining what you have described in Jon’s case:
Quote “In the locked-in state, consciousness is preserved but the patient is paralyzed except for eye movement and blinking.’
Then - the part that really got me excited. Quote “A particularly important book on this condition is ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly’… A Memoir of Life in Death’, (Bauby, JD. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: New York: Vintage Books; 1998.
Doctor Fine confides:
“When young physicians tell me they wish to study clinical ethics and perhaps work as an ethics consultant, I insist that they read this book. The author, Jean-Dominique Bauby, wrote this book one letter at a time while he was in the locked-in state. Born in 1952, he became locked in as a result of stroke on December 8, 1995, and died on March 9, 1997. A therapist set up a letter board with the letters of the alphabet arranged in the order they are most commonly used in the French language. The therapist then pointed to one letter at a time on this chart until Jean-Dominique blinked, indicating the letter he wanted. The book is an extraordinary tale of the desire to survive and live in this condition.”
Doctor Fine goes on to say:
“In my 25 years in medicine, I've probably communicated with four or five patients who were locked in, spending many hours and days with them to determine their wishes. None of these patients wanted to stay alive in that condition once they comprehended that they were going to be locked in. However, some physicians report patients who wish to survive in a locked-in state...”
I feel sure that Jon is one of these. I would certainly buy a book which he ‘wrote/dictated. It is sad, devastating and utterly unbearable to contemplate this happening to anyone, by accident or stroke, but to such a beautiful young man… A venture like this may give him a new lease on life, especially as he enjoys T.V. and being read to, and from what you describe ha would be up to doing it. I would not want to encroach on their privacy by suggesting this, but as it is under discussion on the web in the public arena, maybe via your laptop, you could suggest it – if you think it appropriate.
If scribes/therapists are a problem, perhaps the wonderful NSW Writers Centre at Rozelle, (Hello Irena), could come up with some ideas for scribes, publishers or fundraising. I think the grounds are still a part of Callan Park Hospital and there may be access to volunteer therapists – as there are with Pro Bono lawyers through Arts law Centres. It is also in the grounds of Sydney University, where I’ve worked, and they have an excellent Health Sciences Faculty... If - that is, Jon wants to accept such a daunting challenge. According to some of the accounts I’ve read, finances are an extremely important issue and must be a concerned for Mascot, as she is getting older. Maybe this would be an acceptable avenue for funding his future. I’m glad to hear that he has a family, but sad for what his son would have missed out on. What they’ve lost in quantity they make up for in quality. I’m sure the Light Horse mates would come up with something spectacular for the launch. If I didn’t live in Queensland now, I’d organize it. That’s thinking ahead!
I can’t start to imagine what it must be like for them. As you point out, Mascot is a very private person and there are unscrupulous people, but as the Desiderata says,
“Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery, but let this not blind you to what virtue there is…”
I suggest this in all sincerity, as it is a very strong gut feeling. I’ve had breast cancer, which can’t be compared in any way to Jon’s illness. But I do know what is like to feel that you may lose your sons - my youngest was only five at the time and I was a single mum. I woke up in hospital with the gift (or curse) depends on how you look at it, of poetry. Maybe Jon/Paul (his name even sounds French) could write his way out of this? Then there’s always film rights…
At least a precedent is set and he can do it in good old Aussie English, he doesn’t have to worry about all those flippin’ French verbs!
God Bless
Joye
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Grant
Advanced Forum Member
Canada
443 Posts |
Posted - 22/03/2007 : 05:34:51 AM
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| G'Day Sandra, Mdpmum & Joye Dempsey: At last we all have a real understanding of Jon's exact condition & now know how he really is! Bless you Mdpmum for that! While it is still bad, it is not nearly what everyone thought it was up till now. We do hope you pass all our good wishes & love on to Mascot next time you see her. I can't help wondering how Jon might react to watching videos of his "Cool Change" & "The Lighthorsemen" on tv there, should Mascot be able to put them on? I'd be more than happy to supply PAL copies on DVD of these two superb roles Jon played in his two top films he made before the fateful "accident". Very Sincerely & my thanks again to Mdpmum especially, & Joye for her suggestion based on Doctor Fine's researches. Grant. (I'm going to pass this news on to Simon Wincer, in case he does not already have it.) |
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ljv0711
Forum Member
Australia
2 Posts |
Posted - 26/03/2007 : 9:51:34 PM
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| First time for me on a forum and it is wonderful see there are still thoughtful caring people within this busy world of ours. I would like to share my story, approx 7 years ago following a tv story of Mascot and Paul, I sent a card to Mascot via the TV station, in the hope it may reach them - just to say "Thinking of You". I was most surprised that a few days later I received a reply, a personal phone call from Mascot. It was unasked for and unexpected, we enjoyed a wonderful conversation and one I treasure. Sometimes the smallest gesture has the greatest reward. Each Christmas since I have add Mascot and Paul to my Christmas list, just to continue to let them know they are in our thoughts. To the Blake family and friends who monitor this site, please pass on my warmest wishes to Mascot again. I am now a mother of a young son and Mascot and Paul's story is an inspiration for me of what a Mothers Love is capable of. Lynne |
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dustin
Forum Member
Austria
5 Posts |
Posted - 23/05/2007 : 12:04:04 AM
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| Hello. firstly I would like to thank you all for you're support and caring nature to have my family in you're hearts. I appreciate all the lovely things everyone has to say about my Grandmother and Father. MY father and I have been severly devistated by the loss our courageous mother but reading all wonderfull things you have said eases the pain slightly so thank you all for everything |
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kelsam
Forum Member
Australia
1 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2007 : 6:09:04 PM
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by mdpmum[/i]
[br]Hi all.
This is the first time that I have accessed this site,and it is great to hear that so many people still keep Paul (Jon's real name) in their thoughts. I have been a friend of Paul's for well over 25 years, and have known Mascot quite well since Paul's accident.
I keep in touch with them both quite frequently and I would like to reassure you that Paul is receiving the very best of care, due entirely to the ongoing support and direction of his mother. He has nurses around the clock, and is living at his family home in Sydney, which has been modified to suit his needs.
I would like to clear up the misconception that Paul is a "vegetable and a quadraplegic". He does have an aquired brain injury from his accident that has left him in what is medically called a "locked-in state". He recognises family and friends, and communicates via blinking a number of times for "yes" and a different number of times for "no". He is also able to give a "thumbs-up" response to questions. He spends his day in bed and arm chairs, has regular baths and although he needs to be fed he does not need any tubes for feeding and eats from a spoon. He is able to watch TV, and enjoys music and being read to, and obviously enjoys the company of people he knows. He is regularly visited by his son and close friends.
I know Mascot would be very happy that people still think of Paul often, send their regards and still gain enjoyment from the films he made. He certainly was on of the most talented actors I have ever known.
I hope to see both Mascot and Paul in the not to distant future, and will take my laptop to show Mascot your notes of support.
As I'm sure you understand, Mascot, his family and friends are very protective of his privacy. Over the years, Mascot has had to deal with many difficult situations and many manipulative people. She gave up her very sucessful career with the Sydney Orchastra to care for Paul full time, and although she is getting on in years she has the stamina and drive of someone a half her age. She is a wonderful role model and someone for whom I have the greatest admiration. If she is ever at the point where she can no longer care for him, I am sure his family and friends will assist. Paul would be the first to ask people to find out more about "locked-in syndrome", so that they can develop empathy and understanding for the many people who have aquired a brain injury that may leave them in this state. He has always been someone who jumps at the opportunity to champion a cause. I hope this fills in some gaps about his current state and offers some degree of comfort to all those people who think of him often and are concerned about his current situation. When I see Mascot and Paul next, I will update you on his progress, if Mascot is comfortable with this. Cheers for now, mdpmum.
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Dolly
Forum Member
Australia
3 Posts |
Posted - 17/07/2007 : 01:52:05 AM
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From Dolly (alias mdpmum),
Sorry it has taken so long to supply any further info to everyone interested in "locked in syndrome", but Mascot's death and the effect that this has had on family and friends has been devastating and very hard to deal with. Dustin however has been doing a wonderful job in coping with all the associated difficulties during this transitional phase and I greatly admire him and his maturity.
I'm hoping someone can help me with some info I am chasing. I'm trying to remember the name of an actor in "The Lighthorsemen" who went on to study Law in Sydney. If anyone can help could they either post a reply on this Forum or send an email to me? I would be very greatful for your assistance. Cheers for now, Dolly (alias mdpmum) |
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joye dempsey
Advanced Forum Member
Australia
265 Posts |
Posted - 21/07/2007 : 8:02:41 PM
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Hello Dolly,
I’m not sure if you’ve found the information you are looking for, but I remembered that the video lists the cast and details about their lives – including John Paul’s accident. I got it out – just finished watching it. It is a brilliantly executed and beautifully acted film…
The man you are thinking of is Tim McKenzie who played ‘Chiller’. He had already started his degree when he was cast in The Lighthorsemen and apparently sat his final exams in the local church hall during a break in the filming. A hard worker by all accounts – it would have been a physically and emotionally demanding film without the added pressure of study.
By coincidence I worked in the Faculty of Law at Sydney University some years ago before moving to Queensland. If I can help you further, let me know. I still have a contact there, who may be able to track him through the Alumni.
Please give my love to Dustin and tell him our thoughts are with him.
Sincerely
Joye
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Sandra
Veteran Forum Member
Australia
1964 Posts |
Posted - 21/07/2007 : 9:09:33 PM
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My belated sympathy to all of the family.
Sandra
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joye dempsey
Advanced Forum Member
Australia
265 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2007 : 1:52:12 PM
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Hi Dustin,
Hope you are coping well and still getting the help you need.
I’ve just watched a news item on ‘Jump Starting the Brain’. It should also be on tonight’s news and on the Net. In America – where it seems big dollars are spent on medical research - when we are pushed to get hospital treatment – no slur meant to the dedicated health workers, they've apparently had a breakthrough.
A 39 year old man who was severely brain damaged, resulting from a mugging, and who has been barely conscious for years, underwent radical brain surgery where tiny electrodes were implanted to activate the brain. The result was almost immediate – he can now eat, cry and laugh and ‘for the first time since the attack speak. His first coherent sentence, ‘I love you Mum’. (ABC). On Channel Ten, a similar case of a young soldier, brain injured in Iraq. His mum said that he had no functions, couldn’t swallow and only blink when he wasn’t tired. A Doctor Schiff, I think it was – said that with this patient, the response was also immediate. He is still severely disabled but he can now eat, and watch a movie without falling asleep and they are expecting further improvement.
In both cases, mother’s love was paramount. They both knew that their sons were ‘still there, locked in their brain’ and they wouldn’t give in. It reminded me of your Mascot. The treatment is not available to the public as yet – but it is only a matter of time. If John Paul is interested, it is worth keeping an eye on the situation, so that he can be first on the list so to speak.
Oscar Wilde said that ‘it is through the cracks in our brain that ecstasy creeps in'. (That was way before it became a drug brand name of course!) I hope this new treatment proves successful for people like your Dad.
God Bless
Joye
PS I’ll also email so that you can catch tonight’s news.
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andymoz
Forum Member
Australia
2 Posts |
Posted - 16/10/2007 : 5:29:55 PM
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by dustin[/i]
[br]Hello. firstly I would like to thank you all for you're support and caring nature to have my family in you're hearts. I appreciate all the lovely things everyone has to say about my Grandmother and Father. MY father and I have been severly devistated by the loss our courageous mother but reading all wonderfull things you have said eases the pain slightly so thank you all for everything
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andymoz
Forum Member
Australia
2 Posts |
Posted - 16/10/2007 : 5:49:31 PM
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by dustin[/i]
[br]Hello. firstly I would like to thank you all for you're support and caring nature to have my family in you're hearts. I appreciate all the lovely things everyone has to say about my Grandmother and Father. MY father and I have been severly devistated by the loss our courageous mother but reading all wonderfull things you have said eases the pain slightly so thank you all for everything
Dustin, my name is Andy Sayer, and had the pleasure to be one of the many extras that worked on the Lighthorseman film set at Hawker. My wife found this site( we are new to the internet ) and at last have an update on Jon/Paul's life. Our thoughts are with you and hope that things will get better. There are a lot of us out here(in SA) that admire your Dad, and the sacrifice your wonderful Grandmother and now you have and are making |
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joye dempsey
Advanced Forum Member
Australia
265 Posts |
Posted - 17/10/2007 : 10:19:49 PM
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Hello,
I received the following email from Dolly about 8 weeks ago, but had complications following the ‘flu and am only just getting around to catching up with emails…
I am very happy to pass on the - belated - good news that Dustin and John Paul are doing well, although it can’t be easy, and at Dolly’s suggestion I am posting the contents of the email for those who are concerned with their welfare.
God Bless
Joye
Quote
“Dear Joye,
Thankyou for the info on Tim McKenzie.
Dustin and I will contact him when we need his input. I have just come back from spending a few weeks with Paul (Jon) and Dustin, which was wonderful. I knew Paul before the accident, and have spent quite some time with him and Mascot over the past 20 years. Considering everything, Paul is doing very well. We are now investigating whether "deep brain stimulation" would be of benefit to him, and I believe that Westmead Hospital will be doing a trial next year which he may qualify for.
Please thank everyone for their continued support and prayers. It's good to know that people care. I know that this support is particularly important for Dustin. Dustin is now finding a balance between caring for his father and having quality of life outside the home, which is what Paul would have wanted. Please feel free to pass this info on to other members of the forum.
We will keep you up to date of any developments.
Cheers for now
Dolly”
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Sandra
Veteran Forum Member
Australia
1964 Posts |
Posted - 18/10/2007 : 07:37:38 AM
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Thank you Joy
Bright Blessings
Sandra |
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Grant
Advanced Forum Member
Canada
443 Posts |
Posted - 26/10/2007 : 06:01:58 AM
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| G'Day Joye: Thank you so much! Every time I watch Jon's "Cool Change", or my all-time favourite movie "The Lighthorsemen" - which is often - I can't help thinking of this brilliant young actor who has left such a wonderful legacy to us all. He really was superb & deserved so much as a result, but sadly lost it. He will always be very special to filmgoers who see his films! Very sincerely, Grant. |
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belle
Forum Member
Australia
1 Posts |
Posted - 02/11/2007 : 9:01:48 PM
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Hello Everyone,
I was watching the news this evening when a story came on about the re-enactment of the Light Horse Beersheba charge from 90 years’ ago.
Watching the large group of horsemen took me immediately not to battle commemorations but to thoughts of Jon (Paul) Blake. Like many teenage girls of the 80’s I was so very much in love with Jon’s characters in ANZACS and the Light Horsemen and was devastated to hear of his accident.
I often think of Jon and wondered how he and his remarkable mother were coping.
A ‘google’ search tonight has led me to this site and I am incredibly saddened to hear of Mascot’s death, but am also inspired at the wonderful support Paul and Dustin have with family, friends, and those of us who have perhaps never met Paul, but feel connected in some way.
I recall writing to Jon and his mum so many years ago – in the early 90’s after an article was published in a magazine – just to let them know that there were others out there who cared.
Without meaning to sound trite; I do not know the realities of Paul’s condition and his care needs; I sincerely hope that breakthroughs in medical treatment might bring a little of the old Paul back to his loving family and friends.
And oh, those smiling eyes and cheeky grin - how amazing would that be?
I hope these posts will remind Dustin that, while not with him physically, our best wishes and support are tangible.
B
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Re Jon Blake - The Lighthorsemen
