Hepatitis C Fundraiser in Memory of Joe Watson:

Please can you support our campaign in memory of Joe Watson, who we lost suddenly to the Hepatitis C Virus? Joe’s wife, Carol Watson and his sister, Anne McKee are organizing a series of on-going events in an attempt to raise much needed awareness for this virus.

 

Any money raised will assist towards hospital resources, such as the acquisition of hospital equipment, personnel, and crucially, to help raise public awareness. Many individuals do not know that they have hepatitis C until the liver is already severely damaged. Public awareness will assist in this process to enable the public to recognize the symptoms and seek early treatment, which can help to restore health and prolong the life of a hepatitis C patient.

 

In Joe’s case he was unaware that he had contracted the virus and as a result it lay dormant for twenty years. Subsequently, it led to cancer of the liver, and within three weeks a very much-loved man was taken from us, unnecessarily. By supporting this vital cause you will not only help this campaign, but by extension, you may help save someone you know by prompting them to get treatment in the early stages of this treatable virus.

 

The number of cases of hepatitis C has increased by more than a third in two years, figures show.

 

There were 7,882 cases confirmed in England in 2010, rising to 10,873 in 2012, Public Health England (PHE) said.

 

‘Experts estimate there are around 160,000 people in England living with chronic hepatitis C, officials said: ‘Many of them are unaware they are infected.’

 

Although hepatitis is not as common in Northern Ireland, it is very common in other parts of the world, with an estimated 400 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and C worldwide.

 

The virus causes inflammation of the liver and, if left untreated, can result in liver disease, liver failure and even death.

 

Because the liver can still function when it is damaged, infected people can be unaware they have the disease because they suffer no symptoms. Again we repeat, that it is paramount, we help in a small way to change this current situation.

 

 

 

 Joe's Story By His Loving Wife Carol.

Joe was the most beautiful, thoughtfull, kindest, gentle person I ever knew, he lived his life to the full and loved and adored his family very much. Joe was always a bit of a joker and loved to fool around.

I met Joe nearly 20 years ago when he came to work as a Community Worker for BCC.

He was trustworthy and treated all his staff equally.Joe was also a Trade Unionist he was well known and respected in the trade union movement and by everyone who knew him.

Joe supported his beloved football teams Glentoran and Manchester City and went to watch his teams when he could with friends and grand children.

Me and Joe became an item about 14 years ago.Our relationship flourished and we became best friends and soul mates,I was the happiest person in the world. He taught me how to love and have trust in people again.

On 14th February 2008 Valentines day Joe propossed to me and of course I accepted.He presented me with a beautiful ring inscribed with the words "WITH THESE HANDS I GIVE YOU MY HEART AND CROWN IT WITH MY LOVE" I cried with joy; we set a date to be married the following year 16th May 2009.

We set about arranging the wedding and wanted to make it a memorable and fun day, that's what we did. Our day was outstanding we had over 200 family and friends in attendance, everyone still talked about our wedding day and how much they enjoyed themselves and the fun they had.

Me and Joe did everything together we loved and respected each other, and sometimes we knew what the other was thinking, or what the other was about to say, thats how close we were.

People used to comment on how happy we both looked, were like two love struck kids,two hearts beating as one.

We had so many plans for our future together, and had just celebrated 4  wonderful years of marraige and looking forward to many many more happy years together.

We always told each other how much we loved one another. But our hopes and dreams were shattered the day Joe was diagnosed with HepC.

We did'nt have a clue what this was until we searched the internet and if you have read the start of this story you will know how shocked and scared we were.

A few weeks later he started to have lots of pain around his liver area, this shoulder, back and tummy.

Joe was addmitted to hospital on the 16th July 2013, with jaundice he had to go through tests and scans it was a waiting game

On Monday 22nd July we were given the results it was our worst nightmare, Joe had Liver Cancer and that nothing could be done for him,, later that day we were told that it had spread to his other organs and that they were going to take him to the Liver Unit in the RVH.

There Joe had more scans and tests, Joe had drains put in his tummy and bile duct to try to drain the toxins to help make things easier for Joe, unfortunately that didn't work .

It broke my heart so much to see the man I loved so dearly fading  so quickly before my very eyes, Joe fought his illness with dignaity. and never complaint.

Joe's last wish was to go home, and spend what ever time he had left  with his loved ones and that is what we did.

Joe was able to pass away in his own home surrounded by family and friends on 7th August 2013, it has broken my heart so much to have that beautiful man I loved and adored so much to have been  taken away from me, Joe did not deserve this.

I know the pain I feel will never heal, I loved Joe more than words can say, I miss him every minute every hour of every waking day I will love him forever.

A few hundred family and friends attended Joe's funeral that just goes to show how much Joe was respected and liked .

Thats why we are raising  fundsin memory of Joe to higlight and raise awareness of HepC and what it can do if not caught in time.

The HepC nurses and the Liver Support Group will benefit from these much needed donations so please give what ever you can.

Many Thanks for taking the time to read this tragic story of My Beautiful Husband Joe Watson

From his loving wife Carol Tullin Watson and Joe's Family Circle. 

 

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