Dad's thanks for support after walking his daughter down the aisle despite losing both his legs

A dad who walked his daughter down the aisle despite losing both lower legs found an unusual way to thank the hospital that saved his life.

Mel Evans spent several months in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest just after Christmas in 2021, and went on to develop other complications that led to him having his lower legs amputated.

Now, with the help of a pedigree Holstein calf sold as a charity lot at his then soon-to-be son-in-law’s farm centenary sale, the family have donated a sum of £2,000 to Morriston Hospital’s cardiac intensive therapy unit, following the life-saving treatment Mel received there during late 2021 and into 2022.

Mel spent several months in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest just after Christmas in 2021, and went on to develop sepsis, a stroke and other complications that led to him having his amputations.

The 61-year-old’s family was determined to show their gratitude to the medics and hospital staff who supported him and helped him return to his Carmarthenshire home where he continued his rehabilitation.

At the same time he was preparing for his daughter Ffion’s wedding – and welcoming into the family a dairy farmer whose family provided the calf to support the fund-raising.

The cardiac episode came as a surprise to the father-of-three as he had been physically active throughout his life.

Mel, who during a 40-year career, both in the police and latterly the civil service as an operations manager, worked on investigations such as the Hillsborough disaster, said: “I regarded myself as fit. I would regularly cycle, go walking and I played 5 a side football once a week.

“But shortly after Christmas 2021 and a few miles walking with the family one afternoon, I started to feel extremely lethargic, and my symptoms got worse over a number of days.

“I asked my wife Lynwen to take me down to casualty at Glangwili where it was found I had suffered a heart attack. I was admitted straight away. I don’t remember anything but was rushed to Morriston and put into cardiac intensive care.”

Mel underwent heart surgery and was in a coma for six weeks. But his experience didn’t end there, as other complications had led to life-changing consequences, including a stroke and bilateral below knee amputations.

He then continued his lengthy rehabilitation journey with support from his family and through attending Morriston Hospital’s Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre, ALAC.

Staff there assessed his suitability, and following intensive physiotherapy issued him with two prosthetic legs, supporting him as he learned to adapt to life with them.

His rehabilitation continues with weekly physiotherapy as an outpatient at Glangwili, with ongoing liaison and input from ALAC.

Now the family have been able to repay Morriston’s Cardiac ITU in an unusual way.

“A few months ago, my then future son-in-law Emyr Bowen and his father Rob were holding an event to celebrate the centenary of the family business, Lan Farm at Idole, Carmarthen,” said Mel.

“They asked for suggestions of any charitable cause the proceeds of the sale of a pedigree Holstein calf should be donated to.

“Morriston Hospital’s Cardiac ITU seemed the obvious choice. Emyr plus his wider family and those attending the sale were supportive of the fund raising efforts and helped supplement the sale price realised by the calf. There was a raffle and other personal donations which all went into the pot helping reach the overall target of £2000. We are all appreciative to those who kindly contributed.

“Reflecting on my sudden life changing illness, had it not been for the actions of all those involved in my care and extensive support in rehabilitation, I would not have been able to realise the aim of walking my daughter Ffion down the aisle at her wedding to Emyr in August this year.

“Words can’t really convey our family’s immense gratitude and appreciation of all the staff and teams involved at Cardiac ITU, Dan Danino Ward, ALAC, plus the numerous staff at Glangwili Gwenllian Ward and Physiotherapy Outpatients Department, which provides ongoing support.

“The staff are too numerous to mention individually but know who they are. We are really grateful for the work that you all do. Diolch o galon!”

If this story has inspired you to raise funds for your local NHS then Swansea Bay Health Charity would love to hear from you.

Email the charity team at: swanseabay.healthcharity@wales.nhs.uk.

Swansea Bay Health Charity (registered charity number 1122805) is the official charity of Swansea Bay University Health Board.

It plays a vital role in raising money for projects and activities that support patients, whilst it also supports a range of projects to improve the working conditions and support available to staff. 

Nearly all wards and departments have their own fund, which all come under the Swansea Bay Health Charity umbrella.

So if someone wants to give something back for the care they or a loved one has received, the charity ensures the funds raised will go directly there.

The charity does not replace NHS funding but uses generations donations received from patients, their families, staff and local communities to provide above and beyond what they NHS can provide.

To find out more, follow this link to the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.