Please support Al, Becky and their family get back on top

Seven years ago Al had a chest infection that later went to his heart. This led to having a pace maker and defibrillator put in to ensure he didn't have another heart attack.

Things were tough for the family with Al unable to continue working. But over time he began to recover and returned to truck driving. Their family increased to 6 and life was great for them until about 6 months ago when while at work Al was bitten several times by fleas at the pig farm he was delivering to. Nothing to raise alarm, or so his wife (Becky) thought. A few days later he started to have trouble breathing and sweating uncontrollably. She rushed him to hospital where they found he had a serious blood infection.

Over the next 11 days the doctors blasted his body with antibiotics. Al was able to come home on IV antibiotics. Again he seemed to recover well until 3 weeks ago when things took a turn for the worst. Al was rushed to hospital accompanied by 7 paramedics on life support. As he fought for his life doctors found the previous infection was back but in much stronger form.

The next fortnight was hell for the family, not knowing if he would make it through this time. Four days ago Al underwent surgery to remove the pace maker as this is where the bug was harbouring. Unfortunately things did not go to plan and Al ended up having emergency open heart surgery taking over nine hours.

This has taken a huge toll on Al's recovery. Al is still in Christchurch hospital which is 30 minutes from their home in Rangiora. Becky and the children go in daily so she can help shower Al and tend to his basic needs and so the children can see their dad, who miraculously made it through this ordeal. Becky also goes up in the evenings to spend some one on one time with Al.

Due to this terrible situation their finances have suffered hugely, with all their savings now gone and the bills piling up. Al and his family want to move into a house free from constant health hazards. This has been a long hard battle for the Hillier family but they are strong and rely on each other to get through.

Allan is a proud man, he loves his family and love to work, but now he feels a failure as he can’t do what he loves to do, work and provide for his family.

As their sickness benefit is stretched to the max your donation will help with their rent and food for the family. Also for travel to the hospital and doctor. And keep the debt collector from the door as Al has will not be able to work for some time