Operating Department Support Worker Sam Smith is just one of the fundraisers taking part in Ian’s Walk this Sunday – helping to boost funds for Walsall Manor Hospital’s Critical Care Rehabilitation Team.
The 26 mile walk has been organised by Covid survivor Ian Hawkins in partnership with Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity and it starts and finishes at the hospital after going along the canal network to Chasewater.
Sam said: “I was the one of many support workers who helped look after Ian after being redeployed from theatres during the pandemic.
“I also wanted to give myself a challenge. Other than doing the bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh award I haven’t done much training before. It will be really good for my health and wellbeing. I always wanted to help people which is why I am in the job that I am in so I am happy to be raising money.”
Ian, aged 58, was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital on 29 March 2020 after developing Covid-19 symptoms and experiencing breathing difficulties. Within 24 hours he was placed on full ventilation and over the next few weeks he suffered pneumonia, sepsis, multiple-organ failure and a secondary bacterial infection.
He was able to go home on 9 June 2020 and has been focusing on his recovery and looking to the future ever since. He is full of praise for the Critical care Rehabilitation team and the work it does.
The team’s Senior Sister Xana Marriott, said: “Over the last 12 months more than 250 patients have been supported by the team and each one of them has their own story to tell about their recovery journey.
“Some are Covid-19 survivors like Ian but we support all long term patients who have spent a period of time in our Critical Care Unit. The team uses a host of approaches to cover both physical and psychological support and it is a real team effort involving staff here in Walsall’s hospital and community services and the patient’s own family and friends.
“We are so pleased to see Ian continuing to recover after he was so seriously ill and feel so humbled that he wants to recognise the team’s work by doing this walk. It’s brilliant news that more than 80 are taking part, including some of our colleagues like Sam.
“If people can’t join in they are still welcome to cheer everyone on at the start as we leave the hospital or make a donation this week as we gear up for the big day.”
More details on Ian’s Walk this Sunday 27 June can be found on Ian’s Just Giving page here.