Trevor's battle inspires Round Table good samaritans

An unassuming man who quietly fought and beat coronavirus has inspired a dedicated team of community fundraisers to provide vital support equipment for others fighting the disease.

Saddleworth Round Table has donated 10 tablets and cases, and 10 MP3 players, worth nearly £2,000, to the Pennine Acute Hospitals charity for Royal Oldham’s ICU, part of the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Their heart-warming donation was triggered by Trevor Walsh’s personal 54-day battle, helped by the nursing team, against the invasive covid-19.

Trevor’s wife, Richelle, a popular customer care assistant at Oldham’s only main line railway station at Greenfield, kept his condition secret from her loyal customers. 

But today she said: “While Trevor was in hospital in a coma, he could still hear me talking and playing music to him. 

"He can now recall listening to Irish music during his sleep.”

Lisa Halden, from Pennine Acute Hospitals charity, said: "We're really grateful for this kind donation from Saddleworth Round Table and all their members for their ongoing generous support.

"The past few months have been difficult, especially for those who need urgent and critical care. 

“Our staff on the ICU have been working extremely hard to ensure patients receive the best care while meeting the extra challenges put on them during the coronavirus pandemic.

"It has been particularly tough for patients and families who haven't been able to spend as much time with each other due to restrictions. 

“Having access to an MP3 player to listen to the radio or a tablet to video call a loved one will make a massive difference to our patients and their families. 

“These items will also allow staff to use them as a distraction technique while patients receive care."

The Pennine Acute Hospitals charity supports the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Oldham Hospital, and is now part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group.

Through donations, the charity helps the Trust provide excellent patient care in great facilities, using the best equipment.

John Arthurs, chairman of Saddleworth Round Table, said: “When we heard Trevor’s remarkable story and the support needed for ICU patients, we knew it was something we could help with as we had funds still available.

“Earlier in the year, at the start of lockdown, we had a big campaign raising funds for the staff of Oldham hospital for supplies they needed during these hard times. 

“We delivered food, toiletries, power banks, hand creams and much more.  

"This was done with the generous donations from the local companies and community raising £10,400.  

“As we managed to raise so much and received lots of generous donations we still had money left over.

"Initially, our intention was to either wait until the hospital was in need again or donate it to the hospital once the pandemic was over. 

“We just hope this new electronic kit helps many patients find themselves recovering on ICU.”

Trevor, aged 59, added: “Having communication from Richelle while I was in a coma made my heart beat faster and subconsciously inspired me to survive. 

“They were also a great help when I was awake as I couldn't talk but I could still see her, and that made me happy and gave me more inspiration and a will to live. 

“She would talk to me and keep me updated about family and play music to me.

"I would look forward to this contact every day.”

By making a donation or raising funds people can help the charity fund additional equipment, training and research which will enhance the care and facilities they are able to provide for patients.  

You can choose to support one of the hospitals, a specific ward or department, or one of their appeals.

To support the charity, click here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.