A man from Milton Keynes who lost his partner to asthma last year is giving back in memory of Deborah Day by raising money for the hospital ward that had cared for her so well.
MKUH had become a regular stay for Deborah, whose frequent bouts of ill health meant she was often a patient on Ward 16, which specialises in respiratory conditions.
Andy Hodges, who has aspergers and mental health issues, met Deborah on a visit to the Rethink Mental Health charity, and the couple struck up a firm friendship before becoming a couple in 2019.
As Deborah’s illness progressed, breathing issues and falls worsened and after one episode, doctors diagnosed Deborah with epilepsy, and a bleed on the brain. Andy was given the devastating news that there was nothing more they could do to help his partner.
Deborah, a mum of four, passed away on October 30.
“She was the first person I was ever able to be myself with, and I miss her dreadfully,” he said.
As a frequent visitor to Ward 16, Andy realised that wheelchairs are in far too short supply, and began channelling his grief to raise money to buy one for the ward.
“Quite often, commodes are used for people to get around in place of wheelchairs,” Andy said, “I wanted to do something to change that.”
He set up a Go Fund Me to raise enough money to purchase one wheelchair, but the generosity of well-wishers has meant that Andy has so far raised enough cash to buy two - one for Ward 16 and another for Ward 15.
“It's incredible I never expected that. I’m so overwhelmed,” Andy said.
Being able to purchase the wheelchairs will make such a difference to the wards, and has given Andy something positive to work towards, during a horrendous time.
Andy has also sold some of Debbie’s unsentimental items to help swell the cash, and would love to do even more: “I know money is tight at the moment as we have just had Christmas and New year, so please don't feel you you have to donate, just sharing the appeal would really help me," he said, "But if you would like to donate that would be fantastic. Please don't give more than you can afford, though."
To donate, please visit https://gofund.me/6b28f4969
