Former ICU patient raises more than £3,000 to thank Warrington Hospital team

A former intensive care patient has raised £3,017 for Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity to thank the team who cared for him at Warrington Hospital on two occasions.

Mark Slater, 59, from Lowton, was first admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in October 2025 after falling from a height and spent 9 days in hospital receiving treatment for multiple injuries.

In February 2026, he returned to hospital following a slip and was diagnosed with pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease. He needed to be placed in an induced coma and spent 4 weeks in hospital before being discharged.

After receiving his care, Mark, who organises an annual weekend event for the Volkswagen community, decided to bring fellow attendees together to raise money and say thank you to staff.

Speaking about his experience, Mark said: “I can’t thank the ICU team enough for everything they did for me during both stays. From the consultants and nurses to the housekeeping team, everyone played a part in looking after me.

“During my first stay they helped me through multiple injuries and a lot of pain. The second time, I was seriously ill and they gave me another chance at life. I have so much appreciation and respect for every member of staff.”

During his recovery, Mark became the first patient to use the unit’s new outdoor balcony, which allows patients to enjoy fresh air and spend time outside with their families.

For Mark, being able to step away from the busy ward environment with his wife was a particularly memorable part of his recovery.

“Feeling the fresh air and sunshine on my face, with my wife beside me, was amazing. Strangely, all I wanted was to feel the rain on my face too. After everything I had been through, being outside made me feel alive again,” he said.

“I couldn’t walk there on my own and still had tubes and wires, but the nurses took care of everything. They gave us privacy and waited until we were ready to come back inside. There was no rushing, and that meant so much to us.

“Raising funds for the ICU at this year’s VW event was my way of saying thank you and giving something back to the team who had done so much for me. I’d also like to thank everyone who donated at the event for their generosity and support.”

After the event, Mark returned to the unit to present the money raised.

Alex Ingram, ICU nurse manager at Warrington Hospital, said: “It was lovely to welcome Mark back and hear how he has been getting on. We’re very grateful to him and everyone who supported his fundraising.

“Being in intensive care can be a difficult time for patients and their families. Alongside the specialist care we provide, moments such as sitting outside with a loved one can mean a great deal.

“Mark’s donation will help WHH Charity fund improvements that make time in hospital more comfortable for patients and families. It is lovely to know that the care he received has inspired him to help others.”

The ICU balcony was made possible through a £140,000 donation from Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends, alongside support from WHH Charity. The funding has also supported improvements to the unit’s family room.

With an entrance wide enough for hospital beds, the balcony gives patients who need ongoing intensive care the opportunity to spend time outdoors while remaining close to the team looking after them.

Mark’s donation will support WHH Charity’s work to improve the experience of patients and their families across North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust.