Hello, my name is Mel Gammond and you will all probably know me as “the man who makes the tea” at the Wednesday meetings. In fact, I’m also Phil’s dad and Helena’s husband. I’ve always worked in the Fruit/Veg and Floristry business, first in the family business ‘Margaret Gammonds’ and since 2004 as a manager with Morrisons Supermarkets.
On August 12th 2016 our lives were changed forever. We were on the way to collect Phil from his Cardiff work office as we had arranged an evening out in Cardiff with him and Helena’s mother. Helena rang him to say we were on the way and immediately realised something was very wrong and said we would be there as soon as we could. When we arrived, Phil was outside his work and in a terrible state and so with Helena phoning ahead, we went straight to A and E at the Heath. Once there and after many tests and much consultation about Phil’s previous medical conditions, we were told that Phil had survived a major stroke. Phil remained at the Heath and over the weeks improved until he was well enough to be discharged to return home to fully recuperate. This was to be under the care of NPTH but that did not materialise until Helena rang the Heath to say nothing had happened.
It was then that we were faced with several questions. What would now happen to Phil? What could we do to aid Phil’s improvement? What therapy was available? Who to ask? Anyway, to cut a long story short, it was at this point after trawling through the Internet for advice, that Helena saw Jason’s number and also for ARNI to hopefully help in rehab. So Helena contacted Jason, who came to see us and amongst other things Jason explained about this Stroke club, which ran meetings every Wednesday in Briton Ferry. At first, as Helena was at home looking after Phil, she took him to the meetings, and they loved it. At last, here was a place where you could talk to people that could understand how you felt and offer help and support and generally make you feel better about everything.
Soon after, with Helena returning to work, it became obvious to us that it would be better if I took Wednesday as a day off and took Phil to the meetings, and that’s how it began. In fact, as most of you will realise, I’m usually pretty quiet and introverted so going to a weekly meeting was not top of my ‘to-do’ list, but after a friendly chat with Phil ( “Dad we are going!”), I decided to go along. In fact, it proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made and since those early days, the NPT stroke club has been brilliant. We’ve had interesting talks, meals out and many practical sessions to enjoy. I’ve also taken Phil on local excursions ranging from a great Photography lesson in the Gower in our first year to riding different types of bikes at Bikeability. There have also been many memorable nights out with many highlights including Lee’s Race night and John’s unforgettable performance at the Murder Mystery night. We’ve also been lucky enough to go further afield and for the last three years, I have been on the Birmingham Christmas market trips with Phil and Helena, all proving to be excellent in their own way, even including the Karaoke singing.
Since Helena joined the Committee, I’ve also helped her to run her craft sessions, buy some chocolates and pumpkins and I’ve actually rolled out Plants and Bulb planting sessions, which all appear to have been enjoyed and successful with bulbs coming into bloom (although Tony’s short daffs took so long to appear that they were almost given up for dead. ‘Keep the faith Sue!’). I should now like to return to the kitchen, (where I’m told I belong) and finally confess that although he may not look like it, I always manage to allow Mary and Chris to do all the work leaving me just to pour the water! I must admit I think we have moved the service we provide on since the days of Steve (he tried his best!) and John, and now we not only offer tea, coffee and biscuits, but also fresh fruit and even a ‘2nd’ cup, all served with a smile! I’ve also got to mention the support we get from the Committee members, Jayne and the Thompson family, especially Clair (“could I just have one more cup of coffee, please?”). Also other helpers including Rob (“any chance of another tea?”) Menna (“I’II wash”) Dave (“I’II dry”) and lately Phil (“Dad, I’m really good at doing the biscuits”, “ I know you are, boy.”) (sorry if I’ve missed anyone). Joking aside I must offer a Special thanks to Mary and Chris. What a team and we look forward to continuing serving you all tea and coffee after the lockdown ends.
Finally, I would like to say how fortunate we feel as a family to have found the NPT stroke group, where we have made so many new friends, that we know are always there to offer advice and help when needed, but more importantly to cheer us all up on those days when you just need a ‘little pick me up and friendly smile. Long may it continue!
Final footnote. Just to let you know that after a lifetime in fruit and veg. and 16 years with Morrisons (10 years as Produce Company Trainer) when I return to work in Llanelli after the Lockdown, I will be taking on a new role of Café Manager! (you couldn’t make it up).
