Cambs FRS - iPads for Addenbrookes in memory of Danny

A dozen iPads have been handed over to Addenbrookes Critical Care Unit today, thanks to a fundraising effort by the family of Danny Granger.

Danny, an on-call firefighter at Cottenham Fire Station, died in February after catching Covid-19. He had been treated at Addenbrookes Hospital for a number of weeks after he became ill and his family wanted to do something to help other families keep in touch with loved ones in hospital as restrictions prevent them from being able to visit.

Danny’s Mother Margaret, sister Katie, and brother-in-law Mel, enlisted the help of Danny’s close friend and fellow on-call firefighter Matt Scruby, to set up an online fundraising page to raise money in Danny’s memory so the family could buy more iPads for the hospital.

Katie explained: “When Daniel was in hospital, the only way we could see or speak to him was when the nursing staff were able to use an iPad to video call us. But with few iPads to go round it was difficult. The nurses were brilliant and did everything they could including using their own phones to help us keep in touch with Daniel, so we wanted to do something to help them and others in our situation. The iPads are engraved with Danny’s name and he would be so proud to know that he is continuing to help people. He was so thoughtful and would do anything for any one so it seemed a fitting way for him to be remembered.”

Ten of the iPads have been bought and donated from the family’s fundraising collection and a further two have been donated by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. The iPads have also been supplied with appropriate cases.

Jill Hyde, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist from Addenbrookes Hospital, said: “We are thrilled to receive the iPads and really grateful to Danny’s family for thinking of us. It’s been a tough year for our patients and their families with the visiting restrictions and these iPads will be a tremendous help in enabling us to keep patients and their loved ones in contact with each other at a time when being together is so precious.

“The iPads will also enable patients to listen to their favorite music, watch television programmes, play games and use the relaxation apps, which are all very beneficial to both their physical and mental recovery whilst in Critical Care. These new iPads will also be loaded with new software called ‘my ICU voice’ designed by Dr Baker, an ICU doctor on the unit. They will be used by ventilated patients, who are unable to talk, as a communication tool and to be able to describe their symptoms. Using this software on the iPads really helps to reduce the patients’ anxiety and guide the staff to provide individual and timely care for all our patients.”

Katie concluded: “I’d like to thank everyone who donated for their kindness and touching messages of support. These last few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone but people’s generosity towards this cause and the support we have received has been a huge comfort.”

In total, £6,010.72 was raised by the family with an additional £500 collected by local shop Premier in Cottenham from their customers. As well as purchasing the iPads and accessories, £375 will be donated to each of the following charities Danny supported:

• RNLI
• Prostrate Cancer UK
• Diabetes UK
• British legion
• East Anglian Air Ambulance
• Dementia UK
• British Heart Foundation
• Guide Dogs