'˜Thank you for all your support' says wife of heart transplant dad

Louise Hughes, 24, has received hundreds of pounds of donations in less than 48 hours after a public appeal was launched to help the young family whose benefits have been cut.

Her husband, Dave Hughes, is currently in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle having undergone a heart transplant at the end of February.

The 32-year-old from Whelley had been receiving a Personal Independence Payment and his wife was also receiving a carers’ allowance up until a month ago when the funds were stopped as Dave had been in hospital care for over a month.

The couple. who have a 19-month-old son together, George, have been growing increasingly concerned for their future without the £600 a month windfall.

A friend of Louise, who is also a frequent visitor to the Freeman Hospital because of her partner’s ill health, set up a fundraiser at the end of last week to help Louise and Dave pay basic bills and to help Louise cover costs in caring for George.

The appeal raised more than £350 in just 24 hours and donations continue to come in. Touched by the generosity of family, friends and strangers, Louise said: “I cannot thank people enough. I was in shock when I saw the appeal and that people want to help so much. We appreciate everything everyone is doing so much.”

Louise has also received support from a company who specialises in helping carers, who have offered to find ways to help her with her travelling costs.

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