Publish date: 29 November 2023
A family from Hadfield have made a significant donation to Tameside Hospital’s Critical Care Unit following the passing of a much-loved wife and mum.
Pat Pasiecznik passed away aged 65 in October 2023 after a month-long stay in the Unit.
The family pledged to give something back to in recognition of the care Pat received and the support the wider family were offered during an incredibly difficult period.
In total, Pat’s husband, John, and daughters Lydia, Sophia and Alicia, raised more than £2,600 for the Unit from generous donations received from friends and family.
The money will aid the development of a special sensory garden for Critical Care patients in recovery, which is due to begin construction soon for completion midway through 2024.
Part of the donation will also be put towards the nurses’ fund, which helps to recognise the hard work and dedication of the Unit’s nurses.
John and Sophia presented Trust staff with the donation earlier this month in an emotional ceremony.
Speaking about the donation, John said: “We are very pleased to donate money to the construction of the new sensory garden and also contribute to the staff fund.
“Pat was treated exceptionally well at Tameside Hospital and we can’t thank the staff enough for the phenomenal care they showed to our family in what has been the toughest period in all our lives.
“We were here every day visiting, and they showed us an immense amount of love and care, just as they did for Pat. They tried absolutely everything for her and Pat fought very bravely until her passing.
“The nurses are true angels and treated Pat with great dignity at all times. Even though she was in an induced coma they called her by her first name, combed her hair and treated her with impeccable, immaculate dignity. Every single nurse and doctor we met have all been outstanding.”
Pat, who was a teacher for 37 years, met John in 1990 and they married shortly after in 1991.
They spent the majority of their married life living in Hadfield, Glossop, where they raised their three daughters.
Sophia, the second of Pat’s three daughters, paid tribute to Pat on behalf of her sisters.
“Pat was a fantastic mum. She was fiercely loyal and family-oriented, doing everything for myself and my sisters,” she said.
“Everything she did was with love, and every decision she made was always for the best of the family.
“There’s a little bit of mum in each of us.”
John added: “She was a wife in a million, an inspiring teacher and a brilliant mother. She left us far too early but lived life to the full.
“We had some amazing times together as a family, almost too many to mention.
“She was the best possible mother and enabled her three little girls to become strong, independent women who are resilient, brave and courageous but also loving, caring and compassionate, just like their mother.
“They will carry on Pat’s legacy and I know they intend to make her proud every single day of their lives now.”
