Derek Melia - 24 7 medical expenses support

We are asking for support to help a great Irish Australian who needs our help.

A great friend of many, Derek Melia, recently had a medical episode that has changed his life, so we are calling on all those who have known him over the years to support him in his time of need - now. If you know Derek Melia you would know he would be the first person to help anyone in need but also the first one to have a laugh and a chat.

Derek is a great husband, father and grandfather (Poppy, as he is affectionally called), and was definitely the leader of his family. He loved playing golf, gardening, his Irish music, Central Coast Mariners, and living life 100% - having good craic as he would say.

On 23rd July, sadly life changed for him, his loving wife Sue and all his family. Whilst at home, he sat down for a rest outside, where soon after wife Sue found him slumped in his chair. He had a bleed on the brain which had caused a major stroke.

Sue's quick thinking and emergency surgery at Royal North Shore certainly saved his life, however that was just the beginning and Derek's life will never be the same as he now requires 24/7 medical care. He is currently getting that fulltime care at Woodport Aged Care facility in Erina NSW.

Due to the brain injury, he struggles with his thoughts and memory which in turn frustrates and upsets him. He can struggle to remember where he is and who people are and overall can have very good days, but then also, quite bad days.

We pray over time a new form of quality of life can return to him.

The page is being created to not only support Derek with any medical requirements moving forward but also to allow Sue and his family to spend as much quality time with Derek as they can.

We greatly appreciate any support you can provide, which also includes sharing this to others who may be able to contribute. Seeing people also supports Derek, so if you would like to visit him, please get in touch - his family would love to chat with you and organise a visit.