CHARITABLE hands have helped raise more than £1,000 in honour of 37-year-old man.
As reported, Neil Harrison, of Oliver Road, Cleethorpes, underwent radical treatment to save his life, when his appendix burst and poisoned his body earlier this year.
He needed Extra-C orporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) treatment – used for severe respiratory failure – in Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.
It involves an artificial lung which oxygenates the blood and takes the breathing process out of the body. The hospital has the only mobile ECMO service in the country.
Neil's mum Jane Christy could think of no better way to thank those who saved her son's life, than by raising funds for more ECMO machines.
A charity night at the Cromwell Banqueting Suite, in King's Road, Cleethorpes, contributed towards the overall total raised of £1,688.72.
The 56-year-old said: "If this money can help buy more machines for ECMO treatment and in turn save lives like Neil's, then I could not be happier.
"I have so many people to thank for helping me raise this money, from our family and friends to all those businesses who donated prizes for raffles on the night and the owners of the venue. It is a miracle that my son is still here today, but it is all thanks to the tremendous treatment he received at Glenfield Hospital."
Neil, who suffers from learning difficulties, said: "You can never thank people enough for saving your life but hopefully this money is a start.
"Not many people know about ECMO so I want to now raise awareness."
The ECMO process thins the blood which causes it to leak from most of the body's orifices.
Neil said: "On one day I had 17 units of blood and in total 48 units in four weeks. The blood was going into my body but running straight out. Doctors told my family on several occasions that it looked doubtful I'd make it. I hope to hold more fundraisers in the future and spread the word of what goes on in Leicester."
Mrs Christy's mum and Neil's grandma, Jean Beel, is proud of everything her family has achieved.
The 77-year-old said: "My daughter remained strong throughout this whole ordeal.
"To have raised this much money is outstanding and she should be very proud. I am."
