Daughters launch appeal for mum
Marguerite’s hospital room are testament to her popularity after a lifetime of caring for other people – she was also previously a nursery teacher.
Now she is adjusting to having to depend on others. “That has been the biggest thing for me, trying to adapt to that,” she said. “I have moments when I have a good cry, but I try to be proactive in moving forwards and making the best of what I have got.
“Being a single parent, I have always made sure I’ve kept a positive attitude, so the kids grow up the best they can.
“If I become negative, I don’t know where I would be. I’m taking every day as it comes and just trying my best.” Marguerite said most of the hospital staff had not dealt with someone who had all four limbs amputated before. One of the
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surgeons told her she was only the third such case in around two decades that she had encountered. She turned 55 just over a week ago and celebrated with nurses arranging a cake and for Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday to be played for her.
Another step in her road to recovery in the past few days has been managing to brush her own teeth for the first time.
She said: “My pain has been reducing, so health-wise I am almost back to normal. Now it’s about getting me back.”
Marguerite had heard of sepsis before, but would have gone to the doctor much quicker if she had known more about the potential consequences.
Now she is determined that her own story helps to raise awareness of the condition.
“It highlights how severe it
can
The news that Marguerite would have to lose all four limbs was “devastating” for her family, her daughter Kim said.
Now, they are trying to look to the future, with plans being drawn up to extend Kim’s house so Marguerite can initially stay there once she is released from hospital. Marguerite would love to return to her own home one day, but it will need major adaptations to enable her to live on her own.
Her daughters have launched a crowdfunding campaign trying to raise £80,000, to buy items such as the latest prosthetic limbs and an electric wheelchair. So far, the family have raised an incredible £32,000. Kim said: “Everybody has been so supportive. Everyone has really rallied round.
“We want to help my mum live the most normal life she possibly can.” be – and as a result of something so simple as a paper cut,” she said. A fundraising campaign has been launched by her family to help Marguerite adapt to everyday life when she finally leaves hospital, for items such as an electric wheelchair and even a bionic hand.
“It would be nice if I could live independently, but having no arms and legs, that is a big ask,” she said. “It is ’way down the line.”