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Meet the Mersey mum who will walk on fire to
say thanks to NHS staff
A mum who spent almost 2 months in
intensive care is walking over hot coals to show her gratitude to staff at the
Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
40 year old Victoria Threadgold will take part in R Charity’s firewalk to raise
funds for the Critical Care Unit in the new Royal, after receiving life saving
treatment 2 years ago.
In August 2014, Victoria, a technical claims handler and mum of 2 from Allerton,
started to feel unwell one day in work.
Victoria didn’t know it, but her bowel had burst. She was brought into the Royal
over the weekend and following admission she was rushed for emergency treatment.
Victoria said:- "I’ve been a patient at the Royal since 2008. I have Crohn’s disease, however I looked quite well for someone with a long term
condition.
I remember coming into the Hospital and everything else that happened up until
about 10pm on the Saturday evening, but after that I took a turn for the worse."
Victoria underwent surgery in the early hours to remove part of her bowel, but
following her surgery, Victoria developed sepsis; a life threatening blood
condition that without immediate treatment, can lead to multiple organ failure
and death.
She said:- "The doctor said to my husband that we had to see if I made it
through the night. It must have been a shock for him to see me go from being fit
and well to life threateningly ill within the space of 48 hours."
Victoria was moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal, where she received
specialist care from staff to help her recover.
Victoria spent 52 days in the Royal receiving treatment that saved her life. In
this time Victoria’s weight dropped to as low as 6st 10lbs and required round
the clock care; something she is extremely grateful for.
She said:- "I think I’ve used every NHS service possible, from my regular Crohn’s treatment to the emergency care I received during what was a difficult
and worrying time for my family.
I owe a lot to the staff who saved my life. It was a long, long process, but I’m
lucky to have made it through.
My family told me just how dedicated the staff were during my time in intensive
care. I’ve bumped into some of the nurses and consultants who looked after me.
They ask how I’m getting on, which is really nice considering how many people
they must treat."
Victoria left Hospital in October 2014 after almost 2 months of treatment and
has since celebrated her 40th birthday with family and friends, including her
4 year old son Jack and 10 year old daughter Lottie.
She said:- "We had a big party which was brilliant. Going through what I
went through makes you realise how important the people who are around you are.
But it’s something I wouldn’t have been around to see if things had gone
differently."
Following her recovery, Victoria wanted a way to show her appreciation to all
the staff who cared for her and helped with her recovery.
She said:- "I want to do my bit as my way of giving back to the staff. I
saw the opportunity to sign up to a fire walk around bonfire night and thought
I’d give it a go. I’ve told a few people about it and they think I’m mad!
It’s a challenge, but I just want to say thank you."
Victoria will take part in R Charity’s firewalk at Liverpool ONE on Tuesday 1
November to raise money for the Critical Care Unit in the new Royal, as part of
their £10million Appeal.
You can donate to Victoria’s firewalk challenge at:
JustGiving.Com.
To find out more about this year’s firewalk, call:- 0151 706 3150 or visit the
her Facebook
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