THE family of patient who died nine years ago following a car crash in Royton have raised more than £40,000 to buy life-saving equipment for The Royal Oldham Hospital’s A&E department.
Relatives of Billy Cooney have fundraised tirelessly since his death in 2010, holding special events including Billy Fun Days, a celebrity football match and running in numerous 10ks.
The result is a fantastic pot of money which is being used to purchase life-saving equipment to help save the lives of many patients who end up in a critical condition in A&E.
The family have asked that the funds are used to purchase an anaesthetic machine and a Difficult Airway Trolley.
Vanessa Cooney, Billy’s sister, said: “It was really important to all the family that we did something positive to remember Billy.
“We wanted to say thank you to the hospital for the care they provided and to ensure a lasting legacy for Billy.
“Billy was such a special lad. He was an organ donor but in the event of his death was unable to give his organs because it was slightly too late for them to be used to save the lives of other patients.
“As a family, we wanted to ensure Billy’s life was remembered and celebrated. We hope the equipment that has been purchased will go on to save many more lives.”
The Cooney family attended the A&E department to present the life-saving equipment to the team, who were overwhelmed at their fundraising efforts.
The team showed their gratitude by unveiling a plaque revealing a bay dedicated specially to the memory of Billy called ‘Billy’s Bay’.
The plaque was unveiled by Dr Jim McCahill, Emergency Department Consultant, who said: “It is a privilege to unveil ‘Billy’s Bay’. We cannot thank the Cooney family enough for their very generous donation.
“Billy’s memory will live on in the A&E department and the equipment purchased will save the lives of many people in Oldham. That is a very special thing.”
Billy’s Bay has been launched just ahead of the ninth anniversary of Billy’s passing and was an emotional but very special way for the family to pause, reflect and remember his life.