Fisher House Saves the Day for Former Soldier

The husband of a long-term liver patient is backing Fisher House after staying in the free facility whilst his wife underwent a life-saving transplant.

Thomas Connell, a 34 year old from South Manchester, has nothing but the highest praise for Fisher House.

Arriving at the hospital in the early hours and unaware Fisher House existed, Tommy searched unsuccessfully for a place to stay whilst his wife, 35 year old Vicky, underwent a liver transplant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, due to suffering from long-term liver disease Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC).

After spending the night sleeping rough in his car, the father of two was given a room at Fisher House, a ‘home away from home’ for military patients and their families, after a military nurse at the hospital discovered he was an ex-army veteran.

Tommy explained: “Although I’ve been working for the Police for the last eight years, I spent four years in the army.

“I had no idea Fisher House existed or that I was able to stay there due to my military link.

“Though her operation was a success, Vicky requires long term care, starting with hospital visits on a weekly basis for the first three months after surgery. Knowing me and my kids – Joe and Tom – will have a place to stay for free whilst Vicky attends her appointments is a huge weight off my mind.

“South Manchester is a long way to travel when it’s done on a weekly basis.”

Fisher House supports ill and wounded troops and their families, as well as ex -military personnel who may be ill or, as in Tommy’s case, have family members who are being treated at the hospital.

Tommy continued: “My wife was upset to hear I’d been sleeping rough – luckily I managed to keep it from her until I was in Fisher House.

“She said it was an incredible relief to know I was just five minutes away and a great comfort knowing I could visit her every day as she recovered.”

Now, grateful to staff at the hospital for saving his wife’s life, Fisher House and QEHB Charity for providing the free accommodation, Tommy is supporting our plea for more donations.

He said: “It costs £25 to give a free room to a family for a night when they need it most. Having lived through it myself, I can’t tell you how urgent and invaluable that is.”

Chief Executive at QEHB Charity, Mike Hammond, said: “This is a great example of why Fisher House is so important, not just for battle casualties but for illnesses too. Fisher House supports patients and their families and welcomes use by those like Tommy; a family member who has served in the military and is in a time of need.

“I’d like to wish Vicky a healthy recovery and thank Tommy and his family for their valued support of Fisher House.”

To support patients please visit www.qehb.org or call 0121 371 4852.

Picture: QEHB Charity