The family of a much-loved mum and grandmother who sadly passed away with Covid-19 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at St Helier Hospital have raised more than £5,000 for the department.
Despite the very best efforts of staff in the hospital, Kailas Patel passed away on Wednesday 10 February, aged 66. Despite their grief during this difficult time, Kailas’ family are incredibly grateful for all the care and support that both she and they received from the ICU teams who tried so hard to save her. So to say thank you to staff and to honour the memory of Kailas, her three children Kinjal, Binti and Anish, decided to set up a fundraising page for St Helier ICU.
Kinjal said: “While mum was in Intensive Care, we would phone multiple times a day and sometimes late at night to speak to her, or get an update. Without fail, the nurses were always so kind, compassionate and patient. We were able to hold our mother as she took her final breaths and for that we will be eternally grateful. The money we raise will go towards providing critical care to all those who need it especially during these difficult times. The staff were really human about it. We can’t thank them enough.”
And in just a matter of days, the page has already raised over £5,000.
Kinjal added: “It just goes to show how special my mother was and how much she meant to so many people, even though I don’t think she realised it. She was a phenomenal and renowned Gujarati home-cook. People travelled from near and far for her cooking and she was regularly asked to help out with catering at weddings. She was always smiling, so welcoming and easy going.”
Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to pass our heartfelt condolences to Kailas’ family and loved ones. It is remarkable that, in a time of profound grief, Kailas’ children have found the strength to fundraise for the department where their mum was cared for. I would like to say a huge thank you to the whole family, and to everyone who has donated so far. It is incredibly generous.”
Dr Viplaw Shukla, Consultant Intensivist, said: “We are immensely grateful for the generosity of Kailas Patel’s family and friends. Of course, like them, we very much wish Kailas was still with us. However, their fundraising is a wonderful testament to the ICU teams and for the care and commitment they provide for their patients. Kailas was a strong woman only in her sixties, and yet Covid was still able to take her despite our best efforts. Therefore, we absolutely implore everyone take up the vaccine as soon as it’s offered, especially among BAME communities.
If you would like to make a contribution to Kailas Patel’s family’s fundraising for St Helier ICU, please visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anish-patel-1
Alternatively you can still donate to the Charity’s general Covid appeal which is: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ThankYouESTH