A family are raising money for their local GP to purchase lifesaving equipment in memory of their late father.
Father of four Gerry Wilson collapsed in 2005 at Hedge End Medical Centre, but was saved due to a defibrillator which was recently bought using funds through its charitable trust. This meant that Gerry, who passed away last month (April), had 15 more years of life, enabling him to attend the weddings of two of his children, watch his young granddaughters grow up, and be part of many other friends and family occasions.
Gerry lived in Hedge End for most of his life and was a talented boat builder. His career included working on two America’s Cups entries, as well as Richard Branson’s first attempt at the Atlantic crossing record.
Helen Hudson, Gerry’s daughter, said, “In order to celebrate Gerry’s life, and because many friends and family members can’t attend his funeral, we decided to start a collection for equipment for Hedge End Medical Centre, so that another family will one day benefit from life-saving equipment as we did 15 years ago. If we could make a difference to just one other family, I know that dad would be very proud.”
Jennie Dock, Hedge End Medical Centre Practice Manager, said, “I’d like to personally thank the Wilson family for their kind donation, and we’ll ensure that the funds raised will go to equipment to help the patients and practice. The staff here are blown away by the generosity of the family and the local community, and it has brought a smile to many faces during this difficult time.”
If you’d like to donate to the cause, visit their Just Giving page.