The family of Simon Kirwan have raised more than £600 for University Hospitals of North Midlands Charity after receiving support and care from the cardiology team at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Simon was under the care of the cardiology department last year after living with a heart condition and awaiting surgery for a valve replacement. During routine pre-operative tests in December, medical teams identified further concerns relating to his liver and kidney function.
His sister, Olivia Davies, explained that Simon and the family were later told that although surgery could still go ahead, his body may not have been strong enough to recover due to the failure of other organs.
Simon made the difficult decision not to proceed with surgery, instead choosing to spend his remaining time surrounded by family.
From mid-December, loved ones stayed by his side on the cardiology ward, where Olivia says the family were met with kindness, compassion and support throughout.
Olivia said: “The cardiology ward was excellent. We were treated brilliantly by everyone and had regular contact with the day and night nurses.
“They checked in constantly and spoke to Simon as if he was an old friend, with humour, patience and warmth. I know they understood what the outcome would be, and many expressed sympathy for our situation, saying he was far too young.”
The family were able to remain with Simon around the clock during his final days, with staff providing practical support including free parking, drinks, snacks and a welcoming space for relatives travelling long distances to be together.
Olivia, who travelled from Hertfordshire to Stoke-on-Trent to be with her brother, said the compassion shown by staff left a lasting impact on the whole family.
She added: “It was made easier by the kindness we were shown. We were allowed to stay in the hospital 24/7, ensuring he was never alone.
“I don’t know how the team keep going day and night, knowing every patient’s name, keeping a smile and a joke going, while still being professional and human. It was just before Christmas too, and I think you could see some of the nurses reflecting on our circumstances while going home to their own families.”
As a thank you to the hospital teams who cared for Simon, the family launched a fundraiser for UHNM Charity in his memory. So far, more than £600 has been donated by family and friends.
Olivia said: “We are still grieving and dealing with everything that comes after losing someone, but we wanted to do something positive to show our gratitude and hopefully help other families in the future. Family and friends have been incredibly generous, and we’re very thankful for all the support.”
To support Olivia’s fundraiser in memory of Simon, visit: The JustGiving page here
