A CONSULTANT gastroenterologist at Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske), who spent decades caring for NHS patients, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help him financially following a severe stroke.

Dr Peter Thatcher, 60, suffered a rupture of his vertebrobasilar artery, which provides essential blood flow to the brain, in the early hours of January 18 while in bed. He was rushed to hospital and spent three weeks on Treliske’s Phoenix Ward, followed by four weeks at Camborne Redruth Community Hospital’s Rosewarne stroke rehabilitation unit.

While he returned home on March 16, the ongoing effects of the stroke include weakness in his right arm and leg, difficulty swallowing, mobility problems, a drooping eyelid, speech impairment (dysphasia) and reduced mobility requiring a wheelchair or stroller even for short distances. Recovery could take many months.

The sudden stroke has left the family with no income other than an NHS pension never intended to cover full retirement; Peter will not be eligible for the state pension for another seven years. His wife, Janet, retired early after battling breast cancer, and is now Peter’s primary carer. Their younger daughter lives with them in St Newlyn East.

The GoFundMe campaign has a £75,000 goal. All funds raised will go towards rehabilitation and therapy, mobility aids and equipment, travel to appointments and keeping the family stable while Peter focuses on recovery. So far, well-wishers have donated £1,065.

Peter had worked at Treliske since 2005, diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the digestive system including the liver and bowel, and gastrointestinal cancers. He described the stroke as “life-changing”.

“I have gone from working as a consultant to being unable to work at all,” said Peter, who became a grandfather in November. “It is incredibly difficult not being able to do the job I dedicated my life to, and it’s too early to say if I’ll be able to return to it.

“There is also significant anxiety about the future — both in terms of my recovery and financially. We are still paying a mortgage with around six years remaining, which adds further pressure.

“My hope is that the GoFundMe campaign will help provide some financial stability during this incredibly difficult time. More than anything, it gives us some breathing space and reduces the immediate financial pressure, allowing me to focus on rehabilitation and recovery.”

Peter’s eldest daughter Emily, 30, said: “Dad has always been the main provider for our family. With his sudden stroke and inability to work, everything has changed very quickly.

“Watching someone who has always been active, independent and devoted to helping others suddenly face such a frightening medical crisis has been incredibly difficult.

“Medicine has never been just a job for dad - it has always been about helping people through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. He’s supported countless patients and families facing serious illness, and has always been deeply committed to his work and the community he serves. Now, after spending so many years caring for others, he unexpectedly finds himself needing help.”

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com.