A grateful family has worked tirelessly to raise £7,000 to support the Intensive Care Unit, who cared for their son.
Gary Bush died unexpectedly from an Asthma attack in 2019 and, since then, the family has been fundraising in his memory.
The family recently visited the hospital to donate another £1,500 to The Medway Hospital Charity.
This latest gift is part of their ongoing fundraising efforts through The Gary Bush Foundation, which was established in his memory to support asthma awareness, organ donation education, and to give back to Medway Maritime Hospital.
The family has never forgotten the kindness and compassion shown by the ICU staff during an incredibly tough time and their fundraising has helped enhance facilities for patients, provide comfort for families, and support staff in their vital work.
Gary’s mum, Karen, said: “Everyone was so kind and accommodating, we could not have asked for better staff. Before Gary went down to the theatre to donate his organs, we were all allowed to go into Gary’s room together and be with him one last time to say our goodbyes. We will never forget the kindness of the staff for allowing us to do this.”
“Gary was a kind, caring, and hardworking man who adored his wife Jess and their two young daughters, Lilly-May and Poppy.
“Fishing was a major part of his life and had been from a very young age, and we always got the low down on the size and weight of the ‘big ones’.
“On our family holidays, he would play tricks on you, get up to mischief, but also ensure everyone was okay. On one holiday in Centre Parcs, he sat himself in a high chair and got himself stuck!”
Channelling their love for Gary into fundraising, the family has organised a variety of events, including quiz nights, sponsored runs, raffles, and coffee mornings.
One of their most special events was a Pink Party, held to celebrate what would have been Gary’s 40th birthday, raising almost £2,000 in one evening.
Beyond fundraising, the family are passionate advocates for organ donation. Gary was a registered organ donor, and knowing that his organs gave others a second chance of life brings them comfort and pride.
Through their advocacy of organ donation, they have sparked important conversations and encouraged others to consider this impactful option.
The family remains committed to supporting ICU patients, their families, and the staff who provide lifesaving care and continue to fundraise in Gary’s name, with upcoming events including a spring quiz night, a sponsored run in July, and pop-up fundraising stalls throughout the year.
Anita Bowman, Senior sister on ICU, said: “We are extremely grateful to the family for their continued generosity and the positive impact this has on our patients and their loved ones. We have used their donations to support other patients and families on the ward with the purchases of toiletries, detangling brushes, friendship bracelets, bereavement books for children, hand casts, hand printer and wipes, an instant camera for photos to be placed in patient diaries and white boards for patients to view their rehabilitation progress by the bedside. This money also contributed to the purchase of a Bemo bike to rehabilitate patients whilst still in bed.”
For more information about organ donation, visit the NHS Organ Donation website.
