ICUsteps (registered charity 1169162) was nominated as MTG's charity of the year by Partner Sarah Conway. Sarah has shared the following…

Three years ago, my husband David passed away after a very sudden illness. He spent two months in and out of intensive care. Anyone who has experienced either being in ICU themselves, or has had a loved one go through it, knows that it is such a turbulent and disorientating time. During David’s time there, we came to know the stories of so many other patients and families — some who survived, and some who sadly did not.

After going through this ordeal, alongside the grief, we were left with so many questions about how patients and families are supported in ICU, and whether more could be done to help people through it. We came across ICUsteps — the UK’s only intensive care patient support charity — and wished we had known about it while David was sick.

ICUsteps is a 100% voluntary organisation, founded in 2005 by a former ICU patient and a healthcare professional who recognised the urgent need for better rehabilitation, patient diaries, and careful communication with families to get through such an overwhelming experience. The charity’s trustees are made up equally of healthcare professionals and people with lived experience. Since its founding, ICUsteps has co-produced a vital guide for patients and families (in 20 languages), specific information sheets and booklets to support children. The Charity supports important new research to improve recovery during and post intensive care, and has invaluable peer support groups for patients and families affected by critical illness.

Over 200,000 people spend time in critical care units in England and Wales each year, and while most survive to be discharged home, many face a long and uncertain recovery marked by physical weakness, anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress. Families often take on the role of informal caregivers, shouldering emotional and financial strain. ICUsteps exists to make sure that no one has to face that journey alone.

I really hope that by supporting ICUsteps this year, we can raise awareness of this vital work and help ensure that other patients and families can access the support they need in the future. This is our way of honouring David’s memory and making a difference for others - thank you so much for being a part of it.