Northampton family thanks public after iPad donations connect them with dad in hospital

When Gordon Anderson was admitted to hospital with Covid-19 his family was left devastated as they would not be able to pay him a bedside visit while he battles the virus in the Intensive Therapy Unit at Northampton General Hospital.

After Northamptonshire Health Charity - which supports the NHS - put out a call to the public to support their Covid-19 appeal last month, more than 30 tablets and 50 radios were donated through an Amazon wishlist - with the hospital's very own IT department donating 35 iPods.

It is through these wishlist donations that Gordon has been able to stay in touch with his loved ones, including his daughter Jordan who is paying thanks to those who bought a device.

She said: “This is an incredibly difficult time and it breaks our hearts to know that he’s in there on his own. My dad is critically ill and we can’t even be there with him. We

can’t hold his hand, hug him or kiss his cheek. It’s scary.

“I would just like to say a massive thank you to the people who have donated iPads and tablets to Northamptonshire Health Charity.

“To be able to see my dad’s face on a screen, it was the closest thing we are going to get. My family and I are eternally grateful for the opportunity you have given us."

There are restrictions on visiting the hospital to help protect patients and staff and stop the spread of coronavirus.

Community fundraiser Rob Powell added: “We would like to thank everybody who has purchased from our Amazon wish list over the last few weeks.

"No matter how big or small your purchase, your kindness is making a huge difference to the local NHS staff and patients at Northampton General and across the community and mental health hospitals.

“Some of the messages we have been receiving in the packages are really heart-warming too and we will share as many as we possibly can with the staff.”

You can also support the Northamptonshire Health Charity COVID-19 appeal by making a donation at the Just Giving page by clicking here.