A retired welder has organised fundraising events to say thanks to staff at Sandwell Hospital for saving his grandson’s life.
Bernard Yale hopes to raise thousands of pounds for Your Trust Charity, the registered charity for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
His grandson Kailen Williams was aged three when he was rushed to the West Bromwich-based hospital after suffering from symptoms of excessive thirst, hunger and weightloss. He was transferred to critical care where he was diagnosed with type one Diabetes.
Kailen’s mum Alison, aged 40, from Tipton, had initially thought the youngster had COVID-19 but when tests for the virus came back negative she called her GP for help.
She explained: “We got him to the hospital just in time – had it been any later he may not have been here today.
“The care he received from the staff was fantastic and they were so quick to act and diagnose him. He was close to slipping into a diabetic coma.
“It was towards the end of 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and I was convinced it was COVID. But I was so shocked to find out that he had the diabetes. I think it’s important for people to know the symptoms so that they can act fast.”
Kailen’s diabetes is now under control, with Alison, a senior care assistant, monitoring him daily with the help of her daughter Shianne.
Her dad Bernard, 69, added: “I really wanted to do something to say thank you to the hospital for saving Kailen – what they did will forever be in my heart.
“So I decided to organise a charity show which will feature a performance from the top UK ABBA tribute act Angel Eyes, music from Night Vision Roadshow, as well as an auction and there will be raffle prizes up for grabs.”
Bernard has managed to secure some top auction items at the event on 19 March, including a three night stay in a top caravan in the Isle of Wight, signed Wolverhampton Wanderers football shirts, premium tickets for Uttoxeter Races, golf equipment and a signed heavy weight pro boxing glove from Shane Gill.
Earlier in the month he organised a darts knockout tournament which raised £350.
Amanda Winwood, Fundraising Manager for Your Trust Charity, added: “This is a wonderful gesture by Bernard in recognising the care staff from the hospital gave his grandson and we’re glad to hear he is doing well.
“Raising money for the charity means that we can enhance the experience of our patients, their families and our staff. We appreciate all that Kailen’s family are doing.”
The event will take place at Allen’s sports bar, Newhall Street, Tipton. Entry is free and booking in advance is not required.