Six weeks ago our lives changed suddenly and completely.

My dad, Dr Peter Thatcher, a consultant gastroenterologist who has spent decades caring for NHS patients, suffered a sudden rupture of his vertebrobasilar artery, causing a severe stroke.

Watching someone who has always been active, independent and devoted to helping others suddenly face such a frightening medical crisis has been incredibly difficult for our whole family.

Since the stroke, Dad has been dealing with several serious complications including:

• Weakness in his right arm and leg

• Difficulty swallowing

• A drooping right eyelid

• A hoarse, weakened voice

• Significant mobility problems

He is currently working extremely hard through rehabilitation and therapy, but recovery from this type of stroke can take many months and remains uncertain.

A Doctor Who Has Spent His Life Helping Others

For many years my dad has cared for thousands of patients through the NHS and his work at Royal Cornwall Hospital.

Medicine has never been just a job for him. It has always been about helping people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Over the years he has supported countless patients and families facing serious illness, and he has always been deeply committed to his work and the community he serves.

Now, after spending so many years caring for others, he unexpectedly finds himself needing help.

Our Family

My dad is 60 years old and just seven years away from the retirement he had always planned.

He is a devoted husband, father and — very recently — a proud grandfather. Only three months ago he welcomed his first grandson, something he had been incredibly excited about.

Our family has already faced significant health challenges. My mum had to retire early on medical grounds after battling breast cancer, and my youngest sister is still living at home.

Dad has always been the main provider for our family. With his sudden stroke and inability to work, everything has changed very quickly and we are now facing a period of great uncertainty while focusing on his recovery.

Financial Reality After the Stroke

Dad had always planned to continue working for several more years before retiring.

Although he receives a small NHS pension this was never intended to support full retirement and is not enough to live on.

He is also not yet eligible for the UK State Pension, meaning the sudden stroke has left our family without the income he had expected to rely on during the next few years.

This has created a very uncertain financial situation while he focuses on recovery and rehabilitation.

How Donations Will Help

Recovery after stroke can be long and demanding, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and support.

Funds raised will help support my dad and our family by helping with:

• Rehabilitation and therapy to support neurological recovery

• Mobility aids and equipment to help him regain independence

• Travel to hospital and therapy appointments

• Maintaining stability for our family while my dad focuses fully on recovery

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease some of the pressure on our family during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank You

My dad has spent his life helping other people through medicine.

Now he faces a long road to recovery after this sudden stroke.

Your support at this early stage will make an enormous difference in helping our family navigate the months ahead while Dad focuses on recovery.

If you are able to donate or share this page, it would mean so much to our family.

Thank you for your kindness and support.