How a Harrogate man's battle with Covid inspired Valentine's Day hospital fundraiser

'Sombre milestone' as North Yorkshire passes 1,000 Covid-19 deaths

Victoria Read has launched the ‘Say it Without Flowers’ campaign this Valentine’s Day and is urging people to donate in the name of their loved ones.

She was inspired to begin raising money for the charity when her dad contracted coronavirus in November and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Harrogate District Hospital, where he stayed for a month.

Although at first he seemed to be getting stronger, he soon took a turn for the worst and had to be placed on a ventilator and into an induced coma.

Victoria told the Harrogate Advertiser: “We had of course been warned that there was always a chance of this happening but it was such a blur and had to be done very rapidly.

“We got the phone call at about 2am and it had to be done immediately as he was deteriorating.”

A few days later, his condition was at its worst and his family were called in, preparing for the worst.

“The hospital were amazing at keeping us up to date with what was happening and supporting us through every step.

“That was probably the worst day of both mine and my family’s life but we can’t thank the staff enough for everything they did.”

Step inside this “impressive and charming” family home near Harrogate – on the market for £1.3m

Amazingly, Victoria’s dad began to slowly recover and after being on a ventilator for three weeks he was brought out of his coma, just in time for his 60th birthday.

Victoria says the support and dedication of the hospital staff during such difficult times was a lifeline and she has since dedicated her time to raising money to help them through the pandemic and beyond.

She is aiming to raise £10,000 in total, with more than £2,100 raised so far.

“This experience was a real eye opener for me,” she said. “I have luckily never had to spend much time in hospital but now I have, I want to do everything I can to help.

“I could never repay everyone individually but I hope this will make a huge difference as a whole. I want to create a lasting legacy.”

This Valentine’s Day, Victoria is asking people to take the money they would have spent on a taxi or a round of drinks and donate it to the hospital fundraising appeal in the name of a loved one.

The money will be donated to the Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity to make a difference to staff and patients for years to come.

Donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hgcovidappeal or search #HGCovidAppeal on social media to find out more.