Christmas through Their eyes – Jan’s story
Jan never expected to spend Christmas in a hospital bed. Like many of us, she imagined being surrounded by her family, enjoying festive traditions. But in December 2020, her world changed when severe breathing difficulties led her to St Helier Hospital. What she thought would be a brief visit for oxygen treatment turned into a three-month battle for survival, with Christmas coming and going while she lay unconscious in intensive care.
“When I first went in, I thought I’d be out in a few hours,” Jan recalls. “But I ended up staying for three months. When they admitted me to the ward, the first thing I saw was the Christmas tree outside my room. I kept thinking, ‘I’ll be out by Christmas,’ even though things were getting worse.”
As her condition deteriorated, Jan was moved to intensive care, and the last thing she saw from the ward was that same Christmas tree.
“There was a nurse who kept insisting I needed to go to the Intensive Care Unit. I don’t remember his name, but I’ll never forget how he fought for me. I had to call my family to say goodbye before I was put into a coma. It was one of the hardest moments of my life.”
On Christmas Eve, Jan was placed on a ventilator, fighting for her life. Her family could only watch from a distance, devastated and helpless. “They told my family I might not survive the night,” she says. “My daughter cried over the phone, begging me to be strong. I trusted the doctors and nurses with my life, and I’ll never forget how safe they made me feel, even during such a scary time.”
Five weeks passed before Jan woke up, with a nurse gently telling her, “It’s January.” Christmas had come and gone. But while she missed the time with her family, Jan was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I was just happy to be alive.”
Jan’s recovery wasn’t just physical — it was deeply emotional. She recalls the kindness and dedication from doctors, nurses, and other staff, such as cleaners and porters. “I couldn’t move or speak, but they found ways to make me feel less alone. One nurse held my hand when I needed it most. Others made sure I knew it was snowing outside and played Christmas music to lift my spirits, even though I missed Christmas.”
Jan’s story is a testament to the dedication of hospital staff who sacrifice their own holidays to care for patients like her. “These people are amazing,” Jan says. “They deserve so much recognition. They have their own lives, but during that time, they gave everything to help me and others.”
It reminds us that, while Christmas is a time of celebration for most, many patients spend it fighting for their lives, and many NHS staff give up time with their families to care for them.
This Christmas, you can make a difference. Support Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity by donating today, or getting involved in one of our festive fundraising activities. Every contribution helps bring comfort and joy to patients spending Christmas in our hospitals, and supports the dedicated staff who care for them.
Pictured below: Jan reuniting with the team that saved her life.
