By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.I Understand Tel. 01872 597777 Irene and Sarah urge ‘Freedom Day’ caution As lockdown restrictions ease and ‘Freedom Day’ beckons, Irene Rowe and Sarah Fry are urging people not to become complacent. Both work as carers at Trengrouse, our nursing home in Helston, and both know only too well how devastating Covid can be. Like other staff and residents, Irene and Sarah caught the virus during an outbreak at the home in early January. Their diabetic husbands also became ill and were admitted to hospital within one day of each other. Malcolm, 62, married to Irene for forty years and a much-loved local driver for the 111 out of hours service, sadly died on 16 February. Sarah’s husband Steve, 56, spent five weeks in intensive care and, though now back at home, is seriously ill with long Covid. “We weren’t allowed to visit so the last time I saw Malcolm alive was when he somewhat reluctantly agreed to go to hospital because he was having breathing problems,” said Irene. “I wish I could have been there with him, but it just wasn’t possible.” The mum of four and grandmother of eight who has worked at Trengrouse for twenty years and is its longest serving member of staff, recently attended the Big Lunch at the Eden Project where she found herself talking to the Queen. “She was so nice,” said Irene. “I told her we were both in the same boat having recently been widowed and she agreed. Meeting her was amazing and I couldn’t help imagining Malcolm looking down and being a bit jealous.” Highly respected and admired as someone who gave his all to the local community, Malcolm’s funeral included his former colleagues forming a socially distanced guard of honour outside the crematorium. A tree close to where he parked his car at Helston Hospital also has a plaque in his memory. “I still don’t believe he’s gone,” said Irene. “It was his birthday on Boxing Day and his presents are still upstairs.” Steve Fry has worked as a carer at Trengrouse for more than seven years. He had been off sick when the virus struck in January. “He was hospitalised for two months,” said Sarah. “It’s lovely to have him home but he’s very poorly. His breathing seems to be getting worse and the respiratory team are in daily contact to see how he’s getting on.” Horrible as the last six months have undoubtedly been, Irene and Sarah say that their friendship – and the support they are getting from their Cornwall Care colleagues – is proving invaluable. “Being there for one another really helps,” said Sarah. “Irene understands what I’m going through and I’m doing everything I can to help her too. We’re a close-knit team at Trengrouse and that’s been so important.” What do Irene and Sarah think about Covid restrictions being significantly eased? “We urge everyone to get their vaccines and be sensible,” said Irene. “Covid is still with us and we know how lethal it is from personal experience. “Please take care and think about the safety of others, just as much as your own.” STAY CONNECTED Never miss out again. Sign up for exclusive news and offers. | Copyright © Cornwall Care 2021- Registered Charity Number: 1053486 Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Accessibility Covid-19 Website design by The Creation Lab