James' story
Climbing Ben Nevis
James never expected that a family holiday would result in time on an intensive care unit.
One the final day of their holiday, James’ younger brother started to show symptoms of Covid and was soon hospitalised. James joined him on the ward not long after and they were both placed on ventilators.
It was a very scary time and, whilst his brother eventually got better and was discharged, James became very ill to the point his family were told he wouldn’t make it through the night.
As a last resort to save his life, James was placed on a machine that helps to deliver oxygen to the blood and, whilst he has no recollection of the experience, thankfully it saved his life.
After taking time off work and learning to walk and talk again, James wanted to physically do something to thank the NHS for saving both his and his brother’s lives.
He incorporated walking into his everyday routine and was able to take on the challenge of climbing Ben Nevis, raising funds for NHS Charities Together in the process.
“The doctors and nurses were amazing throughout. I knew nurses did an amazing job but when you see it first-hand you can’t quite believe what they do and the hours they work. It has changed my perspective on the NHS massively. Once I was out, I knew I wanted to give back.”
Why James chose to support us
“Whilst I was in hospital a fundraiser was set up by my family and raised over £3000 which was amazing. I wanted to physically do something myself by setting up a fundraiser which was inspired by one of my friends.
“He suggested climbing Ben Nevis. At first, I said absolutely not but he said it wasn’t up for questioning and I am glad he had that attitude because it was the best thing for me and aided my recovery hugely.
“I am so thankful for all the doctors and the nurses. The NHS is an amazing organisation and it cost me nothing for everything it did for me. We should never take it for granted. They literally saved my and my brother's life.”
