Gayle trumpets her appreciation outside hospital
GAYLE LEWIS knew she should have sought advice or help after dislocating her ankle in April 2020 but the Covid pandemic was at its peak – so she didn’t.
“Because of the pandemic I foolishly didn’t go to hospital, or see a doctor, for seven days,” she said.
“Looking back, I should have at least called 111 to ask for advice. When it started to get worse I eventually went to the emergency department and was told that it was infected.”
Unfortunately the infection worsened.
Gayle added: “It was never right and was only getting worse. I went back to the emergency department at the end of August this year and I saw a consultant. He said that I could either learn to live with my limb, but there would be ongoing problems, or I could have my leg amputated halfway below the knee. It was my decision.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I had been living with my leg and it wasn’t right, and so I opted for the amputation. I made the right decision.”
Gayle is from Pontarddulais and has multiple sclerosis. She had the amputation operation in August.
“I spent seven-and-a-half weeks in hospital and they looked after me brilliantly. All the staff were absolutely fantastic.
“It was a long time to be there and I saw patients come and go but the staff were fantastic with everyone. I could tell that they were under a lot of pressure, with the pandemic – it was crazy for them – but they coped with it all with smiles on their faces.
“I don’t understand people who say our hospitals weren’t open, they saw that I needed help and I was straight in and seen to.”
Gayle is now recovering from her amputation at home – but yesterday, she left her house for the first time since her operation to sound the Last Post for Armistice Day outside Morriston Hospital.
The 49-year-old became involved in the Armistice Day commemorations with other members of Penclawdd Brass Band because she wanted to honour those who had lost their lives in the wars, including her great-uncle Gordon Richards who died in World War II, and to give thanks to the staff at Morriston who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic – and offered her great support throughout her amputation.
She decided that sounding the Last Post on November 11 was the perfect time to thank hospital staff for their support having done the same during the lockdown last year.
She said: “Deborah Perry, who is the occupational therapist helping with my rehabilitation, encourages me to remain upbeat and so I wanted to do something to thank the hospital staff.
“I have always enjoyed music: I won the National Eisteddfod when I was an under-19s soprano, and I played the Last Post on my doorstep, for my neighbours, last Remembrance Sunday.
“I thought it would be nice to play it again this year on behalf of the hospital.
“There are two reasons for playing, a personal one for myself to remember my great-uncle, Gordon Richards, who was lost in the Second World War, along with all whose lives which were lost in wars, every single one of them.
“And it is also my way of thanking the wonderful staff who have not only helped me but worked so tirelessly throughout the pandemic.”
Swansea Bay University Health Board occupational therapist, Deborah Perry said: “This is actually the first time Gayle has ventured outside her house since her operation and we are extremely grateful that she has chosen to come here today and help us mark Armistice Day.
“It is a very brave step on her behalf and I am so proud of her.”