Help Robert G Regain a Pain-Free, Dignified Quality of Life

In 2019, my husband Robert William Gillies suffered a tragic accident that changed the course of his life forever. The impact shattered his pelvis and left him with multiple injuries including leg, knee and ankle fractures.

Since then, Robert has faced an uphill battle—physically, emotionally, and financially. He’s undergone several procedures, but his body still carries the burden of that tragic day. The journey is far from over.

After a long road to recovery after the initial surgery in 2019, Robert was eventually able to walk again—but only with great difficulty and constant pain. However, the journey took a devastating turn. During his first surgery, Robert contracted a hospital-acquired superbug, which silently worked against his healing. Over the next few years, this infection caused his body to reject the surgical screws, pushing them out and destabilizing the already damaged pelvic area. Any further surgery was out of the question until the super bug had cleared up.

Today, Robert's pelvis is free-floating within his body, no longer anchored, and this causes excruciating pain with every movement. The shifting bones are aggravating his condition further, making it hard to stay mobile. To add to the situation he fell in March this year and fractured his right femur.

Only late in 2023, after multiple rounds of antibiotic treatment, was the superbug finally eradicated—a major victory, but one that came at a steep cost as well as the ever increasing cost of pain relief medication and hospital visits.

Now, Robert needs the next phase of surgical intervention to reclaim further stability and pain relief.

Due to the complexity of the pelvic operation required, and the fact that there are no surgeons in Zimbabwe specializing in this field, Robert and I will have to travel to the UK for his surgery.

For full transparency, we are willing to publish all documentation in relation to the injuries sustained. These materials provide a clear picture of the severity of his condition and the urgent need for further medical care.

Robert was in full time employment with the same company for nearly 25 years, but unfortunately the company went into administration and bankruptcy in 2023. As a result, Robert has not received a salary for the past three years. This has placed a significant financial strain on an already challenging situation, leaving him without the means to access the urgent and specialized medical care he needs to restore his quality of life.

What Robert Still Needs

• A full pelvic reconstruction, which remains the final and most crucial surgery.

• A full knee replacement, as the joint has deteriorated beyond repair.

• Surgery on his right foot, due to foot drop and screws that are now damaging tendons and nerves.

Despite the relentless pain, Robert faces each day with courage. But he cannot do this alone anymore.

How You Can Help

Robert’s medical aid provider is vital in covering the cost of his care—but we are now GBP 9,000 in arrears, with a further GBP 6,000 for the current quarter. Without clearing this, his essential pelvic surgery in the UK cannot go ahead, and the delays will only worsen his condition.

We are trying to raise funds to:

• Settle the GPB 15,000 owed to his medical aid

• Cover the upcoming pelvic operation

• Support additional medical and recovery expenses

Every Donation Brings Hope

Robert has been through more pain and setbacks than most of us could imagine or endure. Yet he still holds on to hope—the hope that one day he’ll walk without pain, stand tall, and move forward with his life.

We kindly ask you to stand with him. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving Robert the quality of life he deserves.

Please share, donate, and help us help him regain his mobility and dignity again.

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you.

Robert and Sofia ❤️