Coastal trekker says ‘thanks for saving dad’s life’
THE daughter of a man who is still recovering from Covid five months after being diagnosed is raising money to say thank you to those who helped save his life.
Richard Bower, an ‘extremely sporty’ 62-yearold from Bollington, was rushed to Macclesfield Hospital in March, where tests confirmed he had coronavirus.
He was cut off from his family except for video calls, was put on a ventilator and transferred to Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Even now he remains bed-bound at the Neuro Rehab Centre in Trafford, although he is progressing and the family hope to welcome him back home next month.
In the meantime daughter Amy, 27, is walking the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole. Currently she is in Cornwall.
Amy, an events manager, said: “It’s been hard at times and I’ve been walking in all types of weather.
“It has been up and down cliff tops so fairly strenuous but the scenery is stunning. Camping in the wild was scary although I’ve now got into a routine.
“The walking meditative.”
Amy, who has been joined by friends for
is very certain sections but has largely walked alone, aims to raise £5,000 which will be then split equally three ways.
Some will go to charity ICU Steps, which offers support to patients with a critical illness and their families, and also to the Manchester Royal Infirmary Charity.
The third part will be used to help pay for adaptations to the family home and equipment to help Richard’s recovery such as a physio table and slim wheelchair.
Amy began the challenge in the last week of July and expects to complete it in early September.
She said: “The last five months have been an emotional rollercoaster. We were told that within 48 hours they would shut my dad’s life support off.
“We had to deal with that grief, then they decided they wouldn’t and he woke up. He thought there had been a nuclear war as he was on a ventilator surrounded by people in masks and couldn’t remember anything about coronavirus.
“To go through all that uncertainty has taken its toll but this walk is a way to do something positive. My dad has been able to be involved and is constantly in touch from his bed, he is almost like mission control.”
Anyone wishing to donate can visit www.justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/swcpforrichard.