The Appeal
Page 13
Message exchange between Sarah-Jane MacDonald and Kevin MacDonald on 15 June 2018:
19:34 Sarah-Jane wrote:
Aaargh! Martin paid £80k of Poppy’s fund money to a high-heeled City suit with a livery office and a get-rich-quick scheme. She pretended to know Emma (probably saw the name in the paper when we launched the appeal), said she’d raised millions for sick kids all over the world. Told Martin this £80k will turn into a million overnight. So bloody predatory she probably has a dorsal fin. What was Martin thinking? Poppy doesn’t even need that much! When I think how hard it’s been to raise that cash in the first place! I’m fuming.
19:49 Kevin wrote:
He’s losing it, SJ. Speak to James or Paige or Helen or someone, and either get them to take control of the fund or talk Martin into letting you take control of it. What about their doctor – could she help? We’re nearly there: we’ve told Colin Brasher £50k to buy the drugs, Poppy cured, over and done with – we can’t suddenly add another £80k. I’m about to go into this dinner. Speak to James.
19:54 Sarah-Jane wrote:
Olivia’s in hospital with whatever problem, so James has bailed out of life. Paige and Helen are preoccupied with Poppy. The doctor won’t know anything. Should I call the police about this woman?
FROM: Ziggy Benjamin
SUBJECT: Tour
DATE: 18 June 2018 at 14:24
TO: Issy Beck
Dear Isabel,
I understand you’re visiting us this Thursday for a quick tour of the department. Please report to General Reception at the entrance to Outpatients at 10 a.m. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can. As you’ll know, Mount More has an extensive Oncology department, comprising inpatient and outpatient wards, as well as specialised units for radioactive, paediatric, young adults, blood cancers, acute assessment and a bone-marrow transplant unit. I’ll try to get round all of them, but this may depend on what’s happening at the time. I look forward to meeting you and showing you around.
Yours sincerely,
Ziggy Benjamin
Ward Manager, Oncology, Mount More Hospital
FROM: Issy Beck
SUBJECT: Re: Tour
DATE: 18 June 2018 at 15:53
TO: Ziggy Benjamin
Dear Ziggy,
Thank you for your email. I too look forward to meeting you on Thursday and visiting Oncology. Thank you for agreeing to give me this tour at short notice.
Yours sincerely,
Issy Beck
FROM: Kevin MacDonald
SUBJECT: Charity
DATE: 18 June 2018 at 16:06
TO: Lydia Drake
Dear Ms Drake,
I am the CEO of Cornell Distribution Ltd. I understand you are a fund manager with a focus on the charity sector. My company is interested in donating £100,000 to a good cause and wonder if we could meet to discuss.
Yours sincerely,
Kevin MacDonald
FROM: Lydia Drake
SUBJECT: Re: Charity
DATE: 18 June 2018 at 16:25
TO: Kevin MacDonald
Dear Mr MacDonald,
Thank you for your email. I work exclusively with families raising funds for private medical treatment and do not have any appropriate opportunities at the moment.
Regards,
Lydia Drake
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: Re: Merchandise
DATE: 18 June 2018 at 17:17
TO: Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Dear Sarah-Jane,
I should have told you earlier. It’s just I hadn’t told Helen and it didn’t seem right until she knew. She knows now. £250,000 is not the total cost of Poppy’s new treatment. She’ll need at least four doses of this new combination – over a year or so. It’s a shocking amount. More than anyone can raise. That’s why I’m keen to explore potentially more lucrative, if more risky, avenues à la Lydia Drake. Please don’t tell anyone about this yet. I want this bloody play out of the way first. It’s been a headache for us to keep rehearsals going, but it means a lot to Helen and in many ways has given us all a focus outside the family. Let’s just get it over with now. I need to send a rallying email to the troops. James isn’t around. Regards, Martin
Message exchange between Sarah-Jane MacDonald and Kevin MacDonald on 18 June 2018:
17:24 Sarah-Jane wrote:
See Martin’s email. Explains a lot.
17:42 Kevin wrote:
A million quid for a few phials of liquid? I’m in the wrong game. Now what do we tell Brasher? ‘Sorry, we need £750,000 more.’ Why does Martin protect Helen from reality? The woman must live in a wonderland where she’s forever centre-stage. As for Lydia Drake . . . I waggled £100k in front of her and she shut me down. I don’t understand. Does it occur to the Haywards they could sell The Grange?
17:51 Sarah-Jane wrote:
It’s frustrating, but they clearly aren’t thinking straight. We’ve no idea what’s going on with the family financially. The Grange could be mortgaged, for all we know. Helen may be emotionally fragile . . . I didn’t know about the son who died. Nor did Mum, and she’s known them for years. Who knows what else there may be. Let’s concentrate on the play and selling the merchandise I’m yet to be paid for. After that, we can lobby to take the appeal out of Martin’s hands. One step at a time. Let’s get this first batch of drugs over and into Poppy. I want to stay positive, but the reality is it may not work anyway and further doses won’t be necessary. Don’t forget Harley’s match tonight.
17:57 Kevin wrote:
While I’m speaking my mind and no one else can hear: that play is the most depressing we’ve ever staged. How is that making anyone feel better? Haven’t forgotten the match.
FROM: Ziggy Benjamin
SUBJECT: Tour
DATE: 22 June 2018 at 13:39
TO: Claudia D’Souza
Hi Claudia, I’d like to give you some feedback from my tour with Isabel today. I’m afraid it didn’t go quite to plan. Perhaps you can shed some light on it.
I showed her around the unit, starting with acute, then moving on to bloods. She was fine up to that point, very chatty and interested, but it was in paediatrics the problem started. She said she needed the loo, so I waited for her on the landing while she popped back to the stairwell washrooms. It was an age before she came back. I thought maybe she had an upset stomach and was embarrassed, so didn’t want to make a big thing of her absence. It was only later, and quite by chance, that I discovered she hadn’t been to the toilet at all, but had retraced our steps back to Paediatric Chemo, asking questions about specific patients. I’m very uncomfortable about it, as the staff there had seen her with me (in her St Ann’s uniform too) and gave her the information she asked for without a second thought. It emerged later that she’d spent a good ten minutes alone on the central data system with – theoretically, as any sensitive data is password-protected – access to both staff and patient records. I know you said she’s at the end of a disciplinary period: is she likely to do anything with that sort of information?
I think in future if you have staff who wish to be shown around our department, you should be there too. Ziggy
FROM: Claudia D’Souza
SUBJECT: Re: Tour
DATE: 22 June 2018 at 14:10
TO: Ziggy Benjamin
Dear Ziggy, I’m so sorry you had a problem with Isabel. I’ve just come off the phone to Sam and there’s no need to worry at all. Isabel has a close friend whose daughter is receiving chemo in your department. I know this is true myself, as Sam mentioned it on several occasions. There’s an appeal set up for her. Anyway, Isabel is taking the diagnosis very hard, as medical staff can, when illness hits them and theirs. Sam says Isabel was only after very general information about the girl’s treatment plan, and in any case was hugely impressed by the department and all the staff there. Please reassure everyone that all is well. Her disciplinary period has nothing to do with misuse of data or anything of the sort. I’ve always found
her rather aloof, but Sam works with her daily and knows her far better than I do. She rates Isabel as a nurse – and I know we can trust her opinion. I’m so sorry you’ve had this trouble, Ziggy, and of course I’ll oversee any other ward visits in future. Claudia
FROM: Claudia D’Souza
SUBJECT: Thanks
DATE: 22 June 2018 at 14:14
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hi Sam, thanks for that. I’ve reassured Ziggy that Isabel is just a very concerned friend. We want her to make a good impression, don’t we! She said she was fine up to that point, so fingers crossed. I can just imagine Isabel wandering off gormlessly. Once her disciplinary period is lifted, I can push vacancies her way; you can say you’re planning to move too, but miraculously no job ever materialises for you. It’s sneaky, but a means to an end. Once she’s settled in over there, she’ll find someone else to cling on to and you’ll finally be free of her. I’d like a ticket for the Friday night of your play, please. Michael has agreed to stay in and look after the kids. Small victories. C x
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 05:45
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Yaaaaaawn! Earlies after a late rehearsal! How are you? I feel like death warmed up. Did you pick up on a vibe last night? Sarah-Jane seemed a bit off with Martin. It could be nerves. SJ is one of those who likes to be in control. Helen is amazing, though, don’t you think? She plays a grieving mother with such sensitivity and conviction. Of course, now that we know she has personal experience you can see where it’s coming from. Still, she’s a brilliant actress.
Wasn’t it lovely of Sarah-Jane to give you a free fundraising merchandising pack even though your half-marathon is over? It shows how much the family likes and respects you.
I’ve got my stack of raffle tickets, in case I come across anyone to sell them to at work. I’m not confident, though. I’d buy them all myself if I could afford to, just to avoid admitting I couldn’t sell them. What will you do with yours?
How are you both feeling, now your first play is almost here? I was so nervous just before Blithe Spirit. Luckily, everyone is feeling the same, so we can all support each other. If either you or Kel can’t sleep for feeling anxious in the next couple of weeks, message me and we can have a ‘chat’ – it doesn’t matter how late. I’ll leave my phone on all night in case you ding me. I was hoping to meet Arnie yesterday, but if he doesn’t feel well, then it’s best he has an early night. You haven’t been out running since your half-marathon. Shall we get back to our lunchtime jogs soon? Going to miss you today. Lots of love, Issy xxx
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 05:52
TO: James Hayward
Hi James, this is just a quick email to see how Olivia and the bumps are. Everyone is thinking about you and crossing their fingers. Also, have you thought yet about what the next play might be? As All My Sons is quite serious, perhaps we could do something a bit lighter . . . I saw a banner for Confusions by Alan Ayckbourn when the Mendham Players did it. It has a large cast of small roles – so those of us who are a bit less experienced, or newbies like Arnie, can be in it. Let me know what you think. I can order the script from Amazon and have it delivered straight to you, if you like . . . lots of love, Issy xxx
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 10:47
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hiya Sam, sorry to bother you again. Hope you’re enjoying your rest day. Do you know if Claudia has spoken to you-know-who yet? We’ve just had the admissions and discharge meeting and she was as nasty as ever. She hasn’t gone anywhere all morning, either – would Claudia speak to her after working hours or during? I really hope she is true to her word and doesn’t say she’s going to speak to her, just to keep you happy, but really has no intention . . . She struck me as a people-pleaser, so it wouldn’t surprise me. Perhaps you could mention it to someone else in HR just in case? I’m really missing you. Gaynor is in another mood, boo, and this is Riley’s last week, so his mind is elsewhere. I wish you were down to work today. I hate it when our shifts aren’t the same. Perhaps once Riley’s left, you can ask YKW to tweak the roster so we always work together. We’re such an awesome team, it could only be good for the ward. I’ll read my script in the roof garden again this lunchtime. I know my lines, but if I don’t read them every day I start to believe I’ve forgotten them. I might pop my head into Maternity on the way home and see if Olivia would like a chat. It must be quite lonely for her as all the attention is on Paige and Poppy. I’ll take that box of Maltesers the Somalian family gave me last week. I’ve been very good and not eaten them. I wonder if they’ve raised enough money for the drugs yet? In some ways, I hope it takes them longer. Once Poppy’s had the new treatment there’s nowhere else to go. If it doesn’t work, that’s it. My nan used to say: ‘It’s better to travel hopefully than to arrive.’ Love Issy xxx
FROM: Ravi Bhatoa
SUBJECT: FYI
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 11:31
TO: Tish Bhatoa
I signed off on a permanent night-nurse for Dad. The red-haired manager said Mum’s health is suffering because Dad keeps her awake all night. We could get a separate room for Mum, but that would mean Dad is on his own, and he hates that. Rav
FROM: Tish Bhatoa
SUBJECT:
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 11:53
TO: Martin Hayward
Martin, the phials are still in Boston and can’t be secured until you complete payment. I’m concerned Poppy’s health will decline if there’s further delay. I understand your situation, but could you take out a loan for the remaining money? Tish
FROM: Martin Hayward
SUBJECT: A Cure for Poppy
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 12:42
TO: Full mailing list
Dear all,
I realise you’ve had no update on Poppy’s health for ages and I apologise. Every day feels like a year at the moment. Those of you involved in All My Sons will know our daughter-in-law Olivia is in hospital too now, suffering complications with her twin pregnancy, so I have taken over the director’s chair from James. At least I get to spend some quality time with my wife, even if she is wearing a wig and speaks with an American accent.
What you will not be aware of is that a few weeks ago our family was dealt a terrible blow by a hoax emailer. This gentleman said he would pay outright for Poppy’s life-saving treatment, and although we knew to be wary, we couldn’t help but raise our hopes sky-high. As time went by and no money came, we realised he was a time-waster at best, and at worst a fraudster. When he sensed we had rumbled him, he disappeared. It’s difficult to believe there are people like that in this world, but there are. Unfortunately, before we realised this was a cruel trick, we ordered the phials from America. As we haven’t yet raised the rest of the money, they remain stuck over there. Meanwhile Poppy continues to receive conventional chemotherapy that has resulted in hair loss and blindness.
Luckily, we are not alone. The wonderful Sarah-Jane MacDonald and her fearless fundraising committee continue to keep Poppy’s appeal at the forefront of everyone’s mind. I know raffle tickets are selling like hot cakes and there are other fundraising activities planned for the summer. This is wonderful, but it is not enough. We need another £200,000 before September – so please, everyone, dig deep, ask friends and family to give all they can and help save our beautiful little girl. Regards, Martin
FROM: Joyce Walford
SUBJECT: Re: A Cure for Poppy
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 13:15
TO: Martin Hayward
What a stinking thing to do! If I knew who it was, I’d give them their hoax email with bells on. No wonder you’ve all had faces like wet weekends these last few weeks – except Helen, of course; the woman’s a saint, I’ve always said it. I’ve been selling raffle tickets at my walking club, and I know Nick took some to football beca
use I found them the next day in his sports bag, soaking wet from a leaked energy drink. I dried and ironed them, so he’ll sell them tomorrow now instead. I’ve been meaning to tell Sarah-Jane that if they were cheaper, we could sell more. Joyce
FROM: Marianne Payne
SUBJECT: Re: A Cure for Poppy
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 13:17
TO: Martin Hayward
Mick says if you ever find out who tried to con you, don’t bother going to the police. Just let him know. Marianne
PS I can still get you some Lourdes water, just say the word.
FROM: Denise Malcolm
SUBJECT: Re: A Cure for Poppy
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 13:22
TO: Martin Hayward
God bless you and Helen. I will buy a raffle ticket after all. Denise
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 13:06
TO: Kel Greenwood
Hi Kel! I didn’t realise you were working today. I’m in the roof garden on top of West Block – I can see you on the posh tables at the Orangery: look up and to your right, you should just about see my little head above the rail – who are you waiting for? If you’re on your own and would rather cram in some last-minute line-learning, I’m up here with just a smoothie and chew bar for company. I’m sure they’d switch your order to a takeaway. Anyway, no problems if not, but would be lovely to see you. I really miss Sam when she’s off! Lots of love, Issy xxx
FROM: Isabel Beck
SUBJECT: Hiya!
DATE: 23 June 2018 at 13:24
TO: Samantha Greenwood
Hiya Sam! You’ll never guess who I’ve got here with me – Kel! Don’t worry, I’m looking after him and we’re going through our lines, like the conscientious Fairway Players we are. I spotted him at the Orangery all on his own – just as I’m in the roof garden on my own. They say there’s no such thing as coincidence; I was meant to see him and drag him up here to learn lines. Are you really going to Emma’s Midsummer Yogathon? I’ve never done yoga myself as it looks so difficult, but if you’re both going I’ll consider it. I’m sorry to hear Arnie is still under the weather. If he’s thinking of getting back to nursing, we know there’s a gap in Jelly Antics, now Riley’s leaving . . . It’s not that I wish it on him, but with three of us there, we can have our own little gang and it might make the days more bearable. I’m really looking forward to meeting him. I’ll let you get back to enjoying your day off. Love Issy xxx