A former intensive care patient who says Warrington Hospital staff gave him a second chance at life has raised more than £3,000 to thank the team who cared for him during two serious admissions.
Mark Slater, 59, from Lowton, raised an impressive £3,017 for Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity (WHH Charity) after bringing together members of the Volkswagen community at an annual weekend event he organises.
Mark’s fundraising is a heartfelt thank you to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) team at Warrington Hospital, where he received life-saving treatment on two separate occasions.
His first admission came in October 2025 after he suffered a fall from height, leaving him with multiple injuries. He spent nine days in hospital receiving treatment.
But just four months later, in February 2026, Mark was back in hospital following a slip. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and Legionnaires’ disease and became so seriously ill that doctors had to place him in an induced coma.
He spent four weeks in hospital before eventually being discharged.
Having experienced the care and dedication of staff at first hand, Mark decided he wanted to give something back.
He used his annual Volkswagen community gathering to encourage fellow enthusiasts to support the hospital charity, with the fundraising eventually reaching £3,017.
Speaking about his experiences, 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.”
Fresh air and sunshine provided a special moment during recovery
One particularly memorable part of Mark’s recovery was becoming the first patient to use the ICU’s new outdoor balcony.
The facility allows patients receiving intensive care to spend time outside and enjoy fresh air with their families while remaining close to the specialist team looking after them.
For Mark, the opportunity to sit outside with his wife was an incredibly emotional experience after everything he had endured.
“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.”
Following the fundraising event, Mark returned to the ICU to personally present the money raised to the team.
Mark on the ICU
Alex Ingram, ICU nurse manager at Warrington Hospital, said it was wonderful to welcome Mark back and hear about his recovery.
She 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 itself was made possible through a £140,000 donation from Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends, alongside additional support from WHH Charity.
The funding has also helped improve the unit’s family room.
Designed with an entrance wide enough to accommodate hospital beds, the balcony provides an opportunity for patients who remain dependent on intensive care to experience the outdoors without having to leave the safety of the unit.
Mark’s £3,017 donation will support the ongoing work of WHH Charity in improving the experience of patients and their families across North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust.
His story highlights not only the dedication of hospital staff but also how a frightening personal experience can inspire someone to give something back and help future patients.
To find out more about Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity or make a donation, visit whhcharity.org.uk or email whh.charity@nhs.net.
