Bury GP Federation’s Practice Performance and Improvement Manager, Lindsey Mooney, recently reunited with the ambulance crew who supported her family during her husband’s final moments to thank them for their compassion.
David Mooney sadly passed away in November 2024, after battling a terminal illness. Paramedic Matt Williams, and Emergency Medical Technician Lynsey Hulme were called to his home. At the time, there had been plans for an ambulance to take David to The Christie hospital for specialist care. They recognised David would not survive the journey and instead, the crew focused on making David as comfortable as possible and supporting his family as he died.
Lindsey said that the care shown by the crew made an unforgettable difference. She said: “The levels of respect and compassion were off-the-scale amazing. I can’t praise them enough. Their support and kind words helped me and my family at such an incredibly difficult time.”
“I’m so grateful for how they dealt with the situation. They had my husband’s best interests at the forefront of their care, as well as showing kindness and compassion for me, my son and daughter. This was one of the worst days of our lives, but they helped to make it a little bit easier.”
To mark the first anniversary of David’s death, his son Miles – who works at Woodbank Surgery in Bury – shaved his head as part of a sponsored event and raised £1,775 for the North West Ambulance Charity. Miles said: “There was no doubt in my mind who I wanted to raise money for to honour my dad. I can’t express enough how much the crew’s kindness meant to us all on the night.”
The Mooneys recently reunited with the crew at Bury Ambulance Station to thank them for their support.
David’s daughter, Lola Mooney, part of the Same Day Emergency Care team at Prestwich Health Centre said: “Seeing my Dad die will stay with me forever, but the kindness shown by the ambulance crew will never be forgotten and made a significant impact.”
Paramedic Matt Williams said: “We don’t often get a chance to meet families of loved ones we have cared for. We don’t do this job for the thanks, but it was so meaningful to hear how much of a difference we made to the Mooneys that night. It’s a powerful reminder on the difficult days why we do this job.”
Emergency Medical Technician, Lynsey Hulme added: “We are so grateful for the opportunity to meet the Mooneys again. It meant so much to us.”
Roya Armstrong, Fundraising Manager for North West Ambulance Charity, said: “It means a lot when families take the time to reach out. And to raise so much money in appreciation is
Lindsey Mooney added: “Losing David was devastating. We knew it was coming but thought we would have a little longer. The ambulance crew were absolutely phenomenal. They provided care, respect, support and treated David with such dignity.
“The crew were wonderful. They explained what to expect in David’s final few hours. Their compassion, and staying with us until things were calmer, made us feel so much safer and less alone. I’ll never forget them.”
Anyone wanting to support Miles’s fundraising for the NWAS Charity can donate via the JustGiving link Miles Mooney is fundraising for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust Charity