Family raise cash to thank hospital
The Wilkinson family from Blyth presenting Ward 30 heart unit at the Freeman Hospital with a cheque for �700 after a fund raising evening in memory of Margaret Wilkinson who died last year.
A FAMILY have raised more than £1,000 for hospital staff to show their gratitude to them for trying to save a mum’s life.
Margaret Wilkinson, 66, of Bamburgh Close in Blyth, died last year of an infection two months after undergoing surgery to have an aortic valve replaced.
Medics at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle struggled for 16 hours to save her life, and even though their efforts were in vain, Mrs Wilkinson’s family remain grateful that they tried so hard to keep her alive.
To show their gratitude, the family have been raising money for the hospital’s heart unit by holding a charity night and also asking for donations instead of flowers at Mrs Wilkinson’s funeral.
About 50 people attended their fundraiser, held at the Waterloo Road Social Club in Blyth. The evening included entertainment, bingo and an auction.
Daughter Debra Wilkinson, 45, of Fourteenth Avenue in Blyth, said: “It went really, really well.
“We auctioned all of my mum’s stuff we found in her bedroom.
“People were very generous and enjoyed the night.”
The family have now raised £1,400 for the hospital, half at the charity night and the other half from donations at Mrs Wilkinson’s funeral.
“We are so grateful to the hospital for trying so hard to save her life. They were fantastic,” Debra added.
Mrs Wilkinson, a former cleaner, left husband Tom, 66, four daughters, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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