The devastation wrought by Covid-19 has affected thousands of families across the UK. One man in particular - 57 year old Ian Hawkins, from Cannock - managed to beat all odds during his fight with Covid-19. A previously fit and healthy man, Ian was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital on the 29th of March after suffering symptoms of Covid-19 and experiencing difficulties breathing. Within 24 hours Ian was sedated and placed on full-ventilation. During the next 3 weeks Ian's body had to fight; pneumonia, sepsis, multiple-organ failure and a secondary bacterial infection. Yet, the remarkable ICU team at Walsall Manor managed to save Ian's life and he is now undergoing rehabilitation by learning to eat, drink and walk by himself.

The emotional and physical trauma Ian has - and will continue to - experience, was only eased by his family's ability to contact him via phone and see each other through a window. After weeks of turmoil and separation this brief interaction with family offered a short reprieve from the horrors of Covid-19 for both Ian and his loved ones.

In order to demonstrate our gratitude to the NHS staff and to ease the suffering for future families who may be separated by Covid-19, Ian and his family have decided to set up this fundraising page to help raise money Walsall Manor ICU. The money raised by this page will be used to buy much needed rehabilition equipment for patients and to construct a recreational outside area for visitation during the pandemic, which will also act as a theraputic outdoor space for other patients recovering in ICU.

We invite you to join with Ian's family in attempts to raise money for a cause which will impact the lives of many families who are experiencing the hardship of having a loved one in ICU and to improve the mental and physical rehabilitation of the patients.

Thank you.

Ian's story.

https://www.itv.com/news/2020-05-19/triple-organ-failure-and-three-weeks-on-a-ventilator-one-man-s-recovery-from-coronavirus/