At DHU Healthcare, we pride ourselves on supporting our colleagues through both professional and personal challenges. Sharon Dimmock, a Health Advisor within our NHS 111 team at the Oldbury Advice Centre, has experienced first-hand the impact of that support during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
In November 2021, Sharon’s husband, Mark, faced a severe medical crisis that led to multiple organ failure. Initially told that there was little hope, Sharon and her family persevered through numerous medical setbacks. Against the odds, Mark was placed on the transplant list on December 3rd, and incredibly, just a few weeks later on December 21st, a matching liver became available.
At the time of this life-changing call, Sharon was at work. "I’ll never forget that moment," she recalls. "One of my colleagues took me to one side and said, ‘Sharon, we’ve got a liver for your husband.’ I just broke down. It was overwhelming, but knowing I had the full support of my team made all the difference."
After a complex surgery and a difficult recovery, Mark is now doing remarkably well—walking, driving, and looking forward to a healthier future. "He’s like a new person," Sharon says. "It’s unbelievable how much better he looks and feels. To think just weeks before, we were preparing for the worst."
The past three years have been an emotional and physical challenge for Sharon, impacting not only her personal life but also her own health. Through it all, she has found solace in the compassion and understanding of her team. "The support I’ve received from DHU has been incredible," she shares. "My manager checked in on me regularly, and I was given the reassurance that I wouldn’t have to worry about work or my pay. That kind of understanding is priceless when you’re going through something so traumatic."
Sharon’s journey highlights the importance of organ donation and how it can truly save lives. It also serves as a testament to the incredible support we provide each other as colleagues, ensuring that no one has to face their struggles alone.
"If my story helps even one person understand the importance of organ donation, then it’s worth sharing," Sharon adds. "Mark was given a second chance at life because of someone’s generosity, and I’ll always be grateful for that."