WHEN Jim Carpenter spent three months in intensive care earlier this year, his family saw first-hand the dedication of the hospital staff caring for him. Now, they have raised nearly £10,000 to thank them and help improve life for future patients.

The 70-year-old grandfather of 12 was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E) after developing sepsis following emergency surgery in June.

The retired window cleaner spent weeks fighting for his life in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before being discharged three months later.

During their time at the hospital, Jim’s family spotted a fundraising appeal for a new ICU garden and decided it was the perfect way to show their gratitude for the care he had received.

His son, Ben, said the family had been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown by the ICU team throughout Jim’s treatment.

‘They supported not only our dad, but our entire family, with kindness, professionalism and genuine compassion’, he said.

‘We spent many hours in the hospital and spotted a banner about the appeal and felt like the fundraiser was the perfect way to give something back to the incredible team who have given so much to our family’, he added.

The family also recognised the importance of having access to an outdoor space for patients spending extended periods in intensive care.

‘Dad was taken outside on two or three occasions but it was far from ideal and we all agreed what a difference a garden would make’, Ben said.

In September, the family organised a Fun Day at the Starcross Royal British Legion, raising an impressive £9,445 for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity (RDHC).

The charity raises funds to improve hospital care and provide facilities beyond what is possible through NHS funding alone.

The money raised will contribute towards a £160,000 appeal to transform an unused corner of the RD&E into a peaceful green space for critically ill patients who are unable to leave their hospital beds.

Work on the garden began in the summer.

Once completed, the space will allow ICU staff to take patients outdoors with their medical equipment, giving them the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and spend precious moments with loved ones.

Andrew Lockwood, ICU Garden Project Lead, said the garden would make a significant difference to patients and their recovery.

‘For people fighting for their lives in Intensive Care, days can stretch into weeks without ever feeling the sun or breathing fresh air. This garden will change that’, he said.

‘We know that an accessible outside space like this will make such a big difference to our patients and studies show that it can help speed up their recovery’.

He added that the project would not be possible without charitable donations and thanked the local community for its support.

Jim and his family recently returned to the hospital to meet ICU staff, present their fundraising cheque and see the progress being made on the garden.

Debbie Allen, RDHC Community Fundraiser, praised the family’s efforts and said their contribution was helping bring the project closer to reality.

‘Jim’s family have done an incredible job and it’s thanks to support like theirs that this wonderful project is becoming a reality’, she said.

She added that the visit was a special moment for the family following several challenging and emotional months, giving them the opportunity to thank the staff who had cared for Jim.

To find out more about the ICU Garden Appeal, visit www.royaldevoncharity.org.uk