Phil Andrews
Payback by Phil Andrews!
Phil Andrews' first memory of the ‘General' is receiving physiotherapy on his legs when just aged 20. It was so successful that he became fit enough to join the Army although later he joined the RAF (it's a long story). Phil served 16 years but left in 1996 to move back to the town; mainly to help elderly parents who required hospital treatment. He maintained his healthy lifestyle playing sports and never once thought he would be a patient here - well hopefully not for another 30 years.
In February 2007, however, when he was only 49, Phil was driving to play his weekly after work football match when his car was hit head-on. He suffered multiple fractures, including both ankles and thighs and found himself in the ‘General'.
Payback Starts!
Phil wondered how he could pay-back the medical teams who had saved him and also direct his well-known enthusiasm in the months ahead. He caught sight of a fund-raising poster on the drug trolley and knew instantly. Many people raise money through sponsored activity events but Phil was stuck in a wheelchair and wanted events where the sponsors took a full part as well - not just parting with money.
So, firstly, he thought-up a quiz sheet "with a message" based on medical questions - it was actually more fun to answer than it sounds here. Phil wheeled himself around the Travis Perkins Head Office (where he has a great job) with legs in plaster, shaking a tin - how could people refuse to donate? And they gave generously.
He then asked if the medical staff, friends, family, neighbours and work mates would be ‘up for a charity party' - and no surprises they were! The DJ, band and Cripps social club all donated their services free and it was a great evening in May with 50 raffle prizes as well!
As he had incurred zero costs at both events all £2000 raised went straight to the Hospital and the Air Ambulance funds. To clarify, although Phil was not flown in by the helicopter their duty doctor attended the scene with the paramedics. By supporting both causes, he finds they reach a much wider audience.