My family was told I might die on Christmas Eve — I’m lucky to be alive | News

While Christmas is a time of celebration for most, many spend it fighting for their lives — with heroic NHS staff giving up time with their families to care for them.

After previously missing Christmas due to seriously ill health, former patients of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust have a special reason to celebrate this year.

For Jan Ehtash, from Carshalton, Christmas passed by while she lay unconscious in intensive care at St Helier Hospital, with severe breathing difficulties from Covid.

“When they admitted me to the ward, the first thing I saw was the Christmas tree outside my room,” said Jan, 60. “I kept thinking, ‘I’ll be out by Christmas’. But I ended up staying for three months.”

As her condition deteriorated, Jan was placed on a ventilator on Christmas Eve.

“I had to call my family to say goodbye before I was put into a coma,” Jan said. “They told my family I might not survive the night. My daughter cried over the phone, begging me to be strong.”

When Jan woke up five weeks later, Christmas and New Year had come and gone, but she was overwhelmed with gratitude: “I’m lucky to be alive.”

She recalls the kindness and dedication from doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters: “I couldn’t move or speak, but they found ways to make me feel less alone. One nurse held my hand when I needed it most — these people are amazing.”

For Amy Clare, from Sutton, Christmas turned into a nightmare when her five-week-old son, Jonah, became seriously unwell and was rushed to Epsom Hospital. 

“The care we received from the moment we walked into A&E was fantastic,” said Amy, 34. “The staff immediately knew something wasn’t right and they were with us every step of the way, running tests and checking on Jonah constantly.”

The day before Christmas Eve, Jonah was admitted with dangerous infections, including flu and E Coli. Amy said: “When the doctor told us we’d be spending Christmas in hospital, I was devastated. But he was in the best place to get better.”

The hospital staff did everything they could to bring some Christmas cheer to the ward.

“I woke up on Christmas morning and there were gifts for Jonah,” said Amy. “I wasn’t expecting anything at all, but it was such a lovely surprise — it meant the world to me.”

Jonah’s gifts — sensory toys and gifts for his buggy — were provided by Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity. There was even a gift for Jonah’s four-year-old sister.

Jonah went home the day after Christmas, though they had to return daily for further treatment until the New Year.

“The care Jonah received saved his life,” said Amy. “But the little extras, like the Christmas gifts and decorations — it’s something I’ll never forget.”

The festive touches that brought Amy and Jan comfort were made possible by generous donations to Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity.

Anyone can help to provide these little extras — gifts for children, Christmas meals for staff and decorations — that bring joy to people spending Christmas in hospital.

Amy said: “This is always a special time of year, but after spending Christmas in hospital we have an extra reason to celebrate being together as a family. I urge everyone to donate to the charity – you could make someone’s Christmas, when they need it most.”

Jan said: “After spending Christmas Day in a coma, spending this Christmas with my family will feel even more special. I’ll be thinking of all the patients who aren’t so lucky, and of all the wonderful staff who are giving up their Christmas to care for them — a donation to the charity can pay for a meal for them, which they thoroughly deserve.”

People can help by donating to the charity, buying a gift from the virtual shop or taking part in fundraising.

To donate, visit https://esthcharity.enthuse.com/donate#!/