Support for Graham and Pauline Phoenix

On behalf of both my parents Graham and Pauline Phoenix I have decided to ask for our local community’s support at their time of need.

As many people will know both mum and dad are well known and loved characters in the local community. we have not taken this decision lightly however due to on going financial strain and lack of support from the UK government we have made the difficult decision to reach out for help.

On the 19th of April my Mum and Dad were due to fly home from there once in a lifetime trip to Australia, when my dad, Graham suffered a stroke. He was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a clot which was located in his brain. Following this on the 21st of April dad became unstable and underwent another emergency surgery this time to remove the right side of his skull in order to relieve pressure.

The first few weeks after were touch and go, nearly losing our dad numerous times to complications.

Mum and dad have insurance for their holiday however costs are mounting up, with frequent bills arriving for such things we in the UK take for granted including attendance and use of ambulances and healthcare.

Both mum and dad have worked all their lives and fortanitly have never had to rely on government for financial support however due to events both are currently only entitled to statuary sick pay as they are not in the UK. Which I’m sure everyone can appreciate will not cover standard bills of their home never mind the additional upfront costs of care and support which they are being expected to pay. Having to financially sustain two lives at the minute one in the UK and one in Australia things are becoming increasingly difficult and stressful.

The journey ahead is going to be a long road to recovery and any kind donation no matter how big or small will go towards food, accommodation, taxis, physio etc.

Mum and Dad would rarely ask for help especially financial help, so I’ve set this up in the hope they have a little less worry in the months to come.This is not something we wanted to set up but due to the complexities of my dad’s recovery it is something that we feel we have no other option but to do.

Dad will have to undergo a third surgery in the coming weeks and we have no return home date yet in sight. With this comes the uncertainty of financial support from the UK government.

We as a family thank anyone that donates greatly and appreciate all the kind messages and words we have received so far.