Family shows thanks to Milton Keynes Hospital with special fundraising venture

Eric Thompson was admitted to the intensive care unit with sepsis after falling ill on holiday in Switzerland. As he began to improve his family noticed how useful a special chair was for moving patients.

His son Dave decided to raise funds to help purchase one by running the Milton Keynes Marathon.

‘This wasn’t just any chair, but one that could safely transfer patients from bed to chair while still lying flat,’ explains Dave, who raised £1750. ‘The unit only had one and it was in great demand so we wanted to help get another one.’

Eric, his wife Di, Dave and grandson Frankie all visited the ward to present the chair. Eric, who went on to have a kidney transplant at Oxford, has made a great recovery and is back to enjoying walking holidays.

‘The teams here saved my life and I am so delighted that my family has been able to make this small contribution for others who may find themselves patients on the unit.’

Jane Adderley, advanced nurse practitioner on the Critical Care Unit said: "It’s wonderful to see what a good recovery Eric has made. When Eric was having rehabilitation and being constantly moved from bed to chair, he realised how useful these special Caremed chairs are. We’d like to thank his family so much for helping us purchase a second one."