Thank you for taking the time to read my story. 

My name is Layla and I am the child of an NHS hero.

Dr Fayez Ayache sadly passed away from Covid-19 on the 8th April whilst being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit at Ipswich Hospital. He was both a GP and an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, but above all, he was my father and I am proud to have been able to call him mine.

He came from Syria in 1973 and began his career as a GP with the Constable Country Medical Practice in East Bergholt where he later became a senior partner. He served at this practice for 33 years during which time he also worked at Ipswich Hospital running an Ear, Nose and Throat clinic. In 2017 he retired, however; he was soon back at work again helping others in need, serving our community and doing what he loved.

On April 2nd, dad was admitted to Ipswich Hospital with suspected Covid -19 and on April 3rd, he was moved to Intensive Care where he was placed onto a ventilator. On the 4th of April we were advised that dad had tested positive for Coronavirus, however; they were doing all they could to promote recovery and keep him comfortable. Devastatingly; after a short but incredibly courageous battle, dad sadly passed away on the 8th April at 2:06pm.

The Staff who cared for dad were kind, they were courageous, they were dedicated and they were compassionate. they were a team, and they were facing each day with such gallantry and strength. They would talk to dad and tell him things that we had spoken about, they would speak our messages to him and give him comfort when we no longer could. They would call him Dr Ayache and they would treat him with dignity and respect. but above all; these NHS Heros kept a family who were falling apart; together. They were there, not just for dad, but for all of us and I am so grateful for each and every one of them. 

On Saturday 2nd May at 2:00pm my very good (and talented!) friend and her singing partner forming the ABBA tribute duo Shazam, are going to be singing in their front garden, holding a sing-a-long fundraiser for our cause. Please help me say thank you to the staff of Ipswich Hospital's Intensive Care Unit by donating in memory of my wonderful dad.

He gave his life trying to save ours.

He was the epitome of kindness and I hope that the money we raise can go towards saying thank you to those working in the unit, as well as support them in continuing to help other families, just like mine. 

Dad passed away in Ipswich Hospital, the same hospital he had served in as a doctor for 36 years. This hospital held a special place in my dads heart, and now ours also. It seems only right to give back where we can. 

My name is Layla and I am proud to be the child of an NHS hero.

Please note we will be promoting social distancing at all times and we will be broadcasting live on a public feed through Facebook using the hashtag #drayache. Search for this Hashtag at 2pm and come and join us for a sing along in memory of dad, and in aid of the Intensive Care Unit at Ipswich Hospital.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.