“Everybody needed a Graham in their life, and he was my everything.”
Graham is remembered by his wife Tracey as "the kindest, most loving man you could ever meet. Quiet, unassuming and with a zest for life and the outdoors."
In June 2024, Graham and Tracey's lives were changed forever after Graham suffered a catastrophic accident in their garden which left him paralysed from the shoulders down.
Previously very active in their social life, Graham's disability meant that the loving couple could no longer do many of the things they enjoyed together.
"We became focused on our new life and trying to bring something positive to it, but it was extremely hard and absolutely changed our marriage in the saddest way. Graham struggled hugely with this."
But the worst was still yet to come. In May of 2025, Graham developed a small pressure sore. Due to failings in his healthcare, treatment was delayed for the sore. Later, despite assurances from the hospital nursing staff it was being treated, the sore become a gaping wound the size of a fist.
Sadly in August, Graham died as a result of his wound — the official cause of death 'sepsis'.
Tracey now shares Graham's story to ensure that no one has to face the same heartbreak and treatment that she, Graham, and their family have gone through.
"Challenge everything. If something doesn’t feel or sound right, query it. You know your loved one better than anyone — make sure that person's voice gets heard."
Her experience reflects what many families tell AvMA: when systems don’t communicate well or act quickly, people get hurt. Better listening and better coordination save lives.
Your monthly gift could support AvMA to be there for more families like Graham and Tracey's; providing expert advice from someone who will listen, believe them, and stand by their side.
Share our campaign 'It Can Happen to Anyone' and help AvMA to ensure that no one has to go through avoidable medical harm alone this Christmas.
