A woman whose heart stopped twice in intensive care (ICU) has been back to make a donation of more than £1,500 to our unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Anne Walker, 60, from Hepworth, suffers from the rare myasthenia gravis, a neurological condition where the brain’s signals are blocked from reaching a specific area and in extreme cases the brain’s message to breathe can even be affected. She was admitted into the medical assessment unit  in October 2013 after having a myasthenic crisis at home. Then, in  hospital, she had a major myasthenic crisis and was transferred into ICU when her condition deteriorated.

Anne, a former caterer, said: “I was resting in bed and I experienced a real tightness around my throat. And then all the machines went off and I was surrounded by doctors and nurses.

“My heart stopped twice and I realise I am lucky to be here and always wanted to be able to say thank-you properly to the ICU team.”

In ICU she was put into a medically induced coma to and remained on a ventilator for four days and during this time her heart stopped. Throughout it all her husband Michael waited by her side and also spent a lot of his time in the relatives’ room situated on the ward.  The money raised will go towards a refurbishment of the room.

He said: “We specifically wanted the money to go directly to ICU because we really appreciate their calm and professional attitude and the way they go about their job..

Senior Sister, Denise Cunningham, said: “Relatives become quickly exhausted when they have loved ones on ICU which can involve long periods of time. When relatives wish to stay on the ward we use the relatives’ room to make them feel more comfortable and relaxed.

“The room is also used for private conversations with relatives by the ICU nurses and doctors – again, I feel it is important for it to be smart and comfortable. This donation will help us to achieve the refurbishment now and we are extremely grateful to Anne and Michael.”

The money was raised by close family and friends over a two-day garden party for Anne’s 60th Birthday.

Anne said: “You never know what you want for gifts after 60 years, so it was a great opportunity to raise a donation. I just wasn’t expecting so much! We have a great group of family and friends and we are very grateful for their generosity.”

Anne also brings a Christmas cake to the ward every year.

We wish her all the very best!!