©InfoWhen Derrick Lewis came home from hospital following a serious illness, his wife Margaret was at her wits’ end trying to cope – until someone mentioned the Red Cross.
Derrick, from Bridgwater in Somerset, had been very ill for some time after suffering both heart and kidney failure, as well as other complications.
When he was finally allowed home from hospital, Margaret faced the daunting task of looking after him single-handedly. Before long, she had become absolutely worn out through the stress of it all.
Stressed out
She recalled: “Luckily, my sister-in-law told me about the Red Cross medical equipment service so I went along to see what they could provide. And once I got there, I was so overwhelmed and stressed that I poured all my troubles out.”
As she confided her worries, Margaret realised she’d found a truly sympathetic ear. Looking back, she said: “I’ll be forever grateful to Ian, the volunteer who helped me that day. He was so kind and understanding, and put me in touch with other organisations that could help us.”
‘Wonderful advice’
Derrick soon had a wheelchair, which made an immediate difference for both of them – but it wasn’t only the equipment that helped.
Margaret recalled: “The chair certainly made life a little easier but, just as importantly, the volunteers listened to my problems and were able to give me some wonderful advice. I really don’t know what we would have done without them.”
Ian Hall, their helpful medical equipment volunteer, said: “Our centre helps hundreds of people each year, so we know the service is really important to those who need us. All our volunteers do a fantastic job.”