"My dad was so ill I thought we were saying our final goodbyes. Months later he was walking me down the aisle"

When Ian Hampson was placed in a medically-induced coma at the University Hospital of Wales in October 2022, his heartbroken family feared the worst.

The dad-of-six, who has a history of lung problems, was taken to critical care after his chest infection progressed to pneumonia, sepsis and then septic shock which resulted in multi-organ failure.

But against the odds the 72-year-old pulled through and made such a miraculous recovery that he was able to walk his only daughter down the aisle on her wedding day just 12 months after being discharged.

“There were times when I thought he might not make it, so it was incredibly special for him to be there on my wedding day and do what all proud dads do,” said Ian’s daughter Kate Hampson, who tied the knot to husband James on December 30, 2023.

Ian, described as a very practical man who loves fixing and making things, had complained of severe shortness of breath and began coughing up blood, so the decision was made to contact his GP who referred him to UHW.

But within just 12 hours his condition had taken a such a significant nosedive that he needed to be given the highest level of medical care.  

Kate, who works as a midwife for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, recalled: “When we realised just how serious it was, we knew we needed to get all the family to the hospital to see him. I was already there with my mum, but I also have five brothers, so we had to create a rota and take it in turns to be by his side. There were Covid restrictions in place so only two of us could be there at any one time.

“Staff in critical care were absolutely brilliant. If my dad needed something, like a CT scan, he’d have it straight away. We really felt like he was getting the best of everything. The staff were incredibly kind to us all, especially as we’re a large family.

“Very difficult conversations had to be had with them about Dad’s care which were tactfully and honestly handled. They also kept us all very well-informed.”

Following two nerve-shattering weeks in UHW’s intensive care unit, where there were several ups and downs in his condition, Ian was brought round from his coma. He was then transferred to ward B7 a fortnight later to start on his long period of recovery.

Not only could Ian not sit up in bed at this point, but he was catheterised and needed to be spoon fed.

“On B7 the physios were there every day working with him to help him recover and get him on his feet again. They really invested their time in him. They were really willing him on,” Kate added.

On December 22, 2022 Ian, a former BT engineer, messaged his family to say he was being discharged from UHW just in time for Christmas.

“[Getting out in time for] Christmas was really unexpected but a lovely surprise,” Kate added. “He’s doing really well now. He rides a bike around Cardiff Bay and even though he still gets breathless, if they’re ever worried about his chest he gets seen at University Hospital Llandough straight away.”

Ian described his care and rehabilitation as “superb” and said getting out before December 25, 2022 was a real driving force for him. He recently revisited B7 to thank many of the staff personally.

“It wouldn’t matter how much they were being paid, they couldn’t have done a better job,” he said. “It’s obviously not something I’d like to experience again, but it was such a positive experience in regards to the people dealing with me.

“My admiration for them knows no bounds, from the guy sweeping the floor to the consultants.”

Kate and husband James got married at Beulah Church, Rhiwbina, on December 30 followed by reception at Pencoed House in Capel Llanilltern. They have just returned from a five-day honeymoon in New York City.