‘I WANT TO LIVE’ SAYS MARGARET
TESCO in Greystones provided supplies, and a bunch of flowers, for twin sisters Margaret and Ann Kennedy (67), who are practicing self-isolation in their respective Redford Park homes.
They both suffer from a rare neuromuscular disease with their condition including muscular myopathy and parkinsons type symptoms.
‘Ann was in hospital from last Saturday due to Crohn’s disease,’ said Margaret. Ann got out of hospital on Thursday night. ‘She sort of fled,’ said Margaret. It was a bit chaotic with them all getting ready for this pandemic. She left the hospital as she was a bit worried.’
The sisters are not together and both isolating at home. ‘I have two notices on my door,’ said Margaret. ‘I think people should be doing this if they are vulnerable. If they have breathing difficulties, asthma, motor neuron diseases, muscular dystrophy and so on.’
One sign reads that people are not allowed to enter if they have been to Italy or had any contact with someone who has coronavirus, or if they have a cold, flu or flu-like symptoms.
A second sign says that those welcome inside must wear a mask, wash their hands, wear gloves and keep a distance.
‘The only people coming in now are a carer and PA coming in twice a week to do basic things,’ said Margaret. She said that there is also a runner who can take samples to the doctor’s surgery or pick up something from the chemist.
‘We have bleach, and it’s a very good thing to wipe all surfaces when they have gone,’ said Margaret. ‘We wipe door handles, lights switches and all surfaces, as well as the fridge and washing machine.’ She is going out once a day to bring the dog around the block while keeping a distance from others.
A kindly act by local people and businesses has helped to comfort Margaret during such a trying time.
‘Yesterday I was so depressed and very frightened,’ said Margaret. ‘If Ann and I got this virus, I don’t think we’d survive.
‘Tesco came up trumps this morning,’ said Margaret. ‘A man called Jason Gammell contacted Ann and said they would deliver some shopping. I couldn’t believe what was delivered this morning - an amazing supply of virtually everything which will last probably two weeks, and right on top a bunch of flowers. I burst into tears when I saw it.’
Two members of staff brought the items up to Margaret’s house, and Margaret sent half around to Ann with a carer.
‘I hadn’t got my head around making a list but everything was there,’ said Margaret. ‘Yesterday was a very bad day for me, I was very distressed. Ann was in hospital and I was very worried about her.
‘Both of us are feeling very much safer today, the whole thing has settled us down.’
She said that neighbours, friends, and people online have been contacting them saying to call on them for help if they need anything. ‘I have a neighbour next door and she would do anything for me, there’s nothing like a good neighbour.’
Margaret said that the local community is coming together to look after those in need.
She urges anyone vulnerable to stay home and stay away from shops.
‘It is a contagious disease. People shouldn’t be going out. If you pick it up you could give it to someone and if you give it to someone you could kill them. It could be your granny, your sister with MS. It’s so dangerous and we have to make people realise that. Take action, and stay indoors.
‘I think this will be several months,’ said Margaret. ‘We have got to make sure the elderly, sick and disabled are not the fodder. They have got to be protected.’
Margaret said that she is a former nurse and used to do some infectious disease nursing, so she and Ann knew what to do.
‘I have asked the HSE for gloves, gel and masks and they said no. Nobody contacted us to give us advice,’ she said.
‘The HSE hasn’t been proactive enough for the elderly and ill. It’s been presented that only old, disabled and sick people die, that they are disposable and past their sell by date. I’m 67 and I can tell you I’m not past my sell by date - I want to live.’
She praised health-care workers fighting to keep everyone well.
‘I know they are working their socks off,’ said Margaret.
‘We must remember that they are exhausted and working very hard. I want to thank all the health-care workers who are putting their health at risk in the thick of it.’
Life in isolation can be very boring, according to Margaret. ‘It’s very difficult to motivate yourself,’ she said. ‘I will try to set myself up to doe some mosaic work and my memoirs. Ann has her painting. And I’ll do a bit of tidying up.
‘I can’t do all that much as a full-time wheelchair user. I’ll try to keep off Facebook. I made a decision not to read everything, but look in the morning then shut it down. Then there’s always a bit of telly. It’s not great, but it’s safe.’