Brother runs half marathon for hospital who saved his brother’s life
After one bite of his dinner, Nick Hubbard suffered a tear in his oesophagus which led to emergency surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and only a 30% chance of survival.
Paul, Nick’s brother, is taking part in the SimplyHealth Great Birmingham Run half marathon on behalf of Nick this year.
Within 24 hours of paramedics being called to their family home, Nick was fighting for his life in and receiving emergency surgery where he was given a 30% chance of survival. After surgery, he was then moved to the intensive care unit where he was treated for two weeks.
Paul has said this event will be his last one for a while as he has spent the past five years running half marathons, full marathons, 10K events and even an ultra-marathon.
Paul said: “I feel really good about ending my running journey back in my hometown. My reasons for picking QEHB Charity are simple really, the QE saved my brother’s life. If it hadn’t been for every single person involved in his surgery and recovery, he wouldn’t be here.
“His care was absolutely amazing during his stay, especially during his time in intensive care. Thank you for bringing him back, we are eternally grateful.”
Nick was treated in a few different departments as well as spending two weeks on the intensive care unit, he spent some time on the Emergency Clinical Decisions Unit (CDU) and also separate wards during his recovery stage.
After battling for almost two months, Nick was discharge and could go home and a couple of months later, he made a full recovery.
Rachel Learmonth, Senior Fundraiser for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity, said: “It is so amazing that Nick made a full recovery in just a short space of time and that the care that was provided for him throughout his stay was amazing.
“A huge thank you goes to Nick’s brother, Paul, for choosing to run the half marathon on behalf of Nick and raise money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity. All of the money will go towards ‘added extras’ for people who are being treated in the hospital every day.”
Paul has already raised a huge £330 for the Charity, his JustGiving page is still open, so if his story has inspired you, you can still donate to help make a difference to those who go through emergency surgery like Nick, to donate, please click here.
To find out more about our intensive care unit and other departments within the hospital, please click here.
