We Almost Lost Our Mum — Please Help Us Give Her a Second Chance at Life

Hello everyone,

I’m writing this on behalf of my Dad, who has spent his entire life helping others and would never normally ask for help himself. But right now, our family is facing something we can’t get through alone.

Six weeks ago, our mum had a devastating accident. She tripped on some steps outside and hit her head on concrete, causing a severe brain bleed. She was placed into a coma for a week, and we were told to prepare for the worst — that she might not survive. Those days were filled with fear and heartbreak that no family ever forgets.

Somehow, she fought her way back to us.

We are beyond grateful that she’s still here, but the reality of her condition is incredibly difficult. Mum now needs intensive rehabilitation to have any chance of regaining independence. At the moment, she only has use of her right arm and leg. She cannot walk, and she cannot even sit up without help. The simplest things we all take for granted are now huge challenges for her.

Watching someone so full of life face this has been devastating.

My dad gave 35 years of his life serving the public in the fire brigade — always there in moments of crisis, always putting others first, and never asking for anything in return. He recently retired, and after 49 years of marriage, my parents were finally looking forward to spending precious time together. Instead, he now spends his days by Mum’s side, supporting her through a long and uncertain recovery.

Now, he needs help.

We want to give Mum the very best chance at recovery — access to rehabilitation, specialist care, and the equipment she needs to rebuild her life. At the same time, we want to ease the financial pressure on Dad so he can focus on being there for her, not worrying about how to manage everything alone.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean more to us than words can express. And if you’re not able to give, sharing this page could make all the difference.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, your support, and for keeping our mum in your thoughts.

With love and gratitude,

Sue Walkden and Pete Chandler on behalf of Dad (Archie/Andrew Chandler) and our family