The family of a Teesside man who passed away 20 years after being told he had just months to live have raised money for a Trust hub which supported him in difficult times.
Over £3,000 has been donated in memory of former civil engineer Darryl Benson – who dedicated years to helping others with mental health conditions.
The money will be used to fund new furniture for Woodside Dementia and Wellbeing Hub in Middlesbrough – where he was a regular visitor.
Hub co-ordinator Rucksana Aslam said: “We’re so grateful to Darryl’s family and friends. This is a huge amount of money for us – it will make a big difference.”
Difficult times for all
Doctors feared for the life of Darryl after he developed complex mental health problems in his late 50s, ending up in a wheelchair, unable to walk or talk.
Initially he was given just months to live but, miraculously, his health slowly started to improve following months of treatment.
Indeed, within weeks of leaving hospital, Darryl was mowing the lawn and even passed an advanced driving test.
“His recovery amazed everyone, including his doctors,” said his wife, Linda. “But it was such a traumatic time. The whole family was devastated; we thought we were losing him.”
Sadly, Darryl did not remain in good health.
He suffered several more episodes following his first in 2006, each lasting a year or more – with Linda becoming his main carer between hospital stays.
“Poor Darryl went through every test you could think of, including a brain biopsy. It was a hard road, heart-breaking really,” she said.
Helping hand offered at hub
Darryl was “well supported” by our community mental health team during his illness, and both he and Linda also enjoyed visiting the Woodside Hub on a regular basis.
Run by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), the hub supports people with mental health conditions and dementia, as well as their carers.
Linda said: “The hub has been a huge support to us. It is a great community, where we built strong friendships, knowing that we were not alone in our experiences.
“Darryl didn’t feel comfortable going to clubs in the community, where they didn’t understand the complexities of his illness. The hub was a safe space for him.
“It also helped me meet other carers, and develop special bonds I treasure for the help, advice and love they bring. Caring can be very isolating, and support is vital.”
Dedication to helping others
Darryl, 78, passed away in April after battling pneumonia and, following his death, friends and family have raised £3,455 in his memory to donate to the hub.
The day-to-day running of the hub relies entirely on donations, and the money raised will be used to purchase much-needed tables and chairs for the group.
Juliette Scott, Darryl’s daughter, said: “The hub arranged lots of activities that dad really enjoyed.
“It was also somewhere mum could go without dad. It was a safe space she could meet other carers and make new friendships. There was no fear of judgement.”
The donation in memory of Darryl was this week handed over to Woodside during a special event arranged by Laura, one of Darryl’s granddaughters.
Hub co-ordinator Rucksana said: “This donation will allow us to continue to help people in the future by providing the bare bones which we take for granted.
“No one thinks about tables or chairs, but it’s hugely important for us to continue running.”
Memory will live on
Darryl, and Linda, a retired review officer, dedicated years to helping others with mental health conditions – with both signing up as involvement members with TEWV.
The pair were determined to use their own lived experience of mental health and caring to help shape services for the future, and their input was always valued.
Sarah Daniel, Darryl’s daughter, said: “While dad was in the care of the community mental health team, his doctor encouraged him to become an involvement member.
“Being involved in meetings, helping to shape mental health services and staying active, were a key part of his wellbeing and keeping him well.”
Darryl, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-eight, also made the decision to donate his brain to dementia research – a legacy he hoped would help others in the future.
“It was important to him to help people,” said Sarah. “His brain will support future researchers to identify new treatments for dementia, and his memory will live on through this and the donation to the hub.”
