Former patient raises funds to thank hospital for their care

A local woman has praised the hospital trust she credits with saving her life and is now raising money to help them provide valuable equipment to support others in their recovery.

Mandy Denyer, 53, from Andover, underwent vital heart surgery in 2020. When she returned home, she began her recovery but, just a few weeks later, began to feel unwell.

Mandy during her time in hospital

“I just didn’t feel myself,” remembers Mandy. “My heart was rushing and I knew something wasn’t right. I was at home and called 111 and they sent an ambulance to come and get me. They took me to hospital in Winchester and I was shortly transferred over to Basingstoke. That’s the last thing I remember.”

Mandy had gone into cardiac shock and her liver and kidneys were failing. She was put into an induced coma and woke up a few weeks later.

“The nurses were wonderful when I came round. I wasn’t able to communicate for a long time and they had a board with the alphabet on and some simple yes/ no answers. I would blink to build words and tell them how I was doing. It was an arduous and frustrating process but they were incredibly patient with me and did everything they could to help me heal.”

Getting back on her feet was important to Mandy and she soon began using a bed bike to help get her moving again. “The bed bike was incredible. I wasn’t mobile and couldn’t get out of bed for a weeks, but I needed to get my limbs moving so they were strong enough for me to stand up. I was able to use it for short bursts while in bed and I progressed to a little longer each day before I was strong enough.

“I credit this small but mighty piece of equipment with helping me make a speedier recovery. It made a huge difference, not only physically but mentally too, ensuring that I was able to be active in getting better. I knew when I was fit and well enough that I wanted to give back to thank the team that cared for me. Supporting Hampshire Hospitals Charity seemed the best way to do this, so I’m now raising money to help them provide further equipment like this to help others in their recovery.”

Last year, Mandy signed up to take part in the charity’s first Colour Run, however, shortly before the event, she was taken ill again and diagnosed with cancer. As her treatment began, she had to postpone her fundraising and wait until she was better. Thankfully, she’s now fit and well and training is underway for this year’s event.

“I’m quite an active person,” says Mandy. “I have three dogs which I walk every day so, if I was going to ask people to delve into their pockets and sponsor me, I needed to challenge myself. So, I’m going to try and run it! I’ve had a sneak peek at the course, so I know it’s achievable, although there are a few inclines where I’ll take a little rest and walk up instead. Training is going well so I should be able to do it and help thank everyone who has cared for me so well over the last few years.”

The Colour Run, a 5km run or walk where participants pass through various colour stations and are covered in environmentally friendly powder paint, takes place on Saturday 2 August in Harewood Forest and there are still places remaining for those who want to join the fun alongside Mandy. For tickets, which cost £18 for adults and £10 for children, visit hampshirehospitalscharity.org