The year that changed everything…

October 26th 2020, the day EVERYTHING changed. I don’t remember much from the back end of 2020, I just know it hurt, I cried a LOT & spent far too much time in & out of hospital.

At times, during this past 12 months I GENUINELY thought I was going to die.

Finally I feel/hope I am now recovering, but it is going to take a long time :(

What this past year has taught me is that life is short, good health is a blessing, happiness & love are true gifts.

Without my Parents, best friends, Doctor Barbara Alberts, the Long Covid team & my long suffering wonderful husband Jamie I genuinely don’t think I’d be here now.

After talking through my wishes to help others with Doctor Alberts of Broadshires Health Centre, I am in the process of setting up a Long Covid Support group for West Oxfordshire to hopefully help/support others in the same position as me.

In addition, I wanted to set up a charity to fundraise for Oxford hospitals. I have been treated at them all & regularly  attend the Oxford JR, The Ramsey & I pretty much have my own parking space at the Churchill Hospital (home to the long covid clinic)  so with your great support we WILL make a difference to many other people.

My employer Ashfield Heath have been and continue to be incredible during my illness/recovery & I know I am so fortunate to have them support me AND help supporting my fundraiser.

I know I am one of the lucky ones & I thank my lucky stars everyday. I personally lost a family member and my friends have been directly hit with 2 losings a parent.

£220 has been raised so far (on a previous platform & I am so grateful to those who donated) Your support we will make a difference to patients and staff across our local hospitals. Help with the latest specialist medical equipment, fund research and improvements for our hospital staff, including specialist training.  

As waiting lists sore, staff are under incredible pressure and with your help we are able to transform our hospitals, creating warm and welcoming environments for all.

Thank you so much for supporting Oxford Hospitals Charity and for being there for me.