In April 2016, the Donaldson family were hit with a family tragedy. Barbara Jones, a loving mother and grandmother had suffered a stroke and suspected heart attack during the early hour of the morning.

After being rushed to A&E, Barbara was admitted to the stroke ward, Ward 14 at the hospital the same day. The family were told the devastating news that Barbara had lost a considerable size of the left side of her brain.

Over the next 6 weeks, Barbara fought hard and in her natural defiant manner. She was unable to communicate by speech or sign, lost movement in the right side of her body and unable to swallow food or liquid. Doctors were amazed to see Barbara fight through bad days, infections and other medical conditions. Even when hope was diminishing, Barbara would show us a smile and a small laugh which made even the darkest hours a ray of light and hope for us.
Unfortunately Barbara passed away whilst still at the ward a week before her birthday.

The staff at the ward have been nothing short of amazing. They are always busy and rushed off their feet but they always managed to spare time for Barbara and the family with a smile on their face. We cannot thank the staff enough for the support they have shown through the time spent at the Ward and they are a credit to the NHS.

The funds raised will be to create and open a new garden for the ward patients and their families. At this time, patients have to be taken to a separate ward some distance away or be taken onto the car park of the hospital for some time away from the their bed. A new garden will be a welcome area with easy access for patients and families to spend time together. Any additional funds will go towards patient furniture/equipment.

The family are planning a family hike up the 1085 meter Snowden, the tallest Welsh/English mountain on 22nd October 2016 to raise money for this cause.

Thank you in advance for reading our story and any donations made to help future patients.