In September 2016, I collapsed and was rushed to Southmead Hospital for emergency surgery on an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) team saved my life. I remained in ICU for a month and spent a total of two months in the hospital.
I received such wonderful care from all staff at the hospital and the ICU team, in particular, holds a special place in my heart.
When I became President of the Rotary Club of Chippenham, I knew it was an opportunity to nominate Southmead Hospital Charity as my Charity of the Year. I wanted to say thank you to our local NHS for saving my life.
Over the course of the year, we managed to raise a fantastic £6,000. We had a really successful golf day and organised a Christmas concert. The events themselves were a lot of fun and so was the organisation that went into them. It was great to meet the Charity team, who were so helpful and enthusiastic, and Ian was able to get some of the ICU team involved too which was especially rewarding.
Clubs and community groups like ours make a huge difference in our local community. I’d definitely do it all again and I’d urge other groups to raise money for our local NHS in Bristol too.
If you’re part of a community group, please contact Ian to find out how you can support your local NHS in Bristol.
