Sheffield man praises NHS in heartwarming letter after they saved his mum’s life at Christmas

Patrick Meleady said his family were ‘thrust into a rollercoaster of ups and downs” when they received the heartbreaking news that his mother may not pull through after taking ill.

His mother, who celebrated her 90th birthday in October, was described as a strong and resilient woman, having lived through the last World War and through many other challenges in her lifetime.

In the letter, Patrick said: “We have been blessed to have her for so long. She came to stay with my sisters and I in Sheffield for Christmas but whilst with us two weeks ago she became very unwell and was rushed with blue lights into hospital.

“From the moment of her health deteriorating, especially at the point of us being informed that due to her condition, she may not pull through, we as a family were thrown into emotional and mental turmoil, thrust into a rollercoaster of ups and downs in her life battling journey.

“Even though she is of a great age, and the oldest living member of our vast extended family, the thought of the loss of her was dreadful.”

Mr Meleady went on to praise the NHS, after his mother was admitted to the Northern General Hospital.

He said: “Never complaining, constantly caring for and nursing patients, while treating them with dignity and respect at all times, ever mindful of the human impact of the situation and their actions.

“We saw staff day and night doing their very best and doing so under great pressures, whilst still issuing forth words of encouragement and kindness, working collectively for the common good.

“Sheffield’s people shone too, patients and their relatives in the wards, although facing adversities themselves, looked out for each other, offering words and sentiments of care, sharing hope and warmth also.

“The Northern General and the experiences that we as a family were forced through, is a microcosm of the camaraderie, care and joint purpose of all that is great in our wonderful City.”