Mum struck down by mystery illness on return from dream holiday
A mum of two who spent weeks gravely unwell in intensive care has hailed the “world-class” teams that saved her life – and urged others to nominate their NHS heroes for a public choice award.
Manju Pillai, 46, praised doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters, and others at Epsom and St Helier hospitals which, along with St George’s, has opened nominations for its gesh CARE Awards to recognise clinical and essential support staff.
Manju first noticed symptoms as she returned from a family holiday in Qatar and the Maldives with husband Ajith, daughter Ramaya, 23, and son Ashaan, 13 – describing her legs as “numb and unusually heavy” on the flight home.
The discomfort did not ease in the days that followed but, determined not to miss Ramaya’s graduation celebrations, she put this to the back of her mind.
However, just over a week later, while walking her dog, Manju’s legs suddenly “stopped working”, forcing her to rest. She called 111 and was referred to her GP, who advised her to attend Epsom Hospital’s emergency department.
From there, the Banstead resident was admitted to hospital as the numbness spread to her hands and legs, accompanied by severe pain and uncontrollable spasms.
When her breathing became compromised, she was moved to the high dependency unit, before being intubated and transferred to St Helier’s intensive care – where staff gave her and her family “hope, comfort, and strength when we needed it most”.
While she was originally diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, extensive testing proved inconclusive – initially leaving medical professionals stumped.
Manju was eventually diagnosed with “immune-mediated complex neurological syndrome”, a little-known condition that is complex to diagnose and where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own nervous system.
Manju was successfully treated for this with two courses of antibody treatments – however, as a result of the trauma from the experience, she was also later diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, a condition affecting the brain that causes the body not to function as it should. She is currently under the care of specialist teams at St George’s as she awaits final surgery.
“My illness was extremely difficult for my family,” said Manju. “Not knowing what was wrong with me, whether I would recover, walk again, or return to any kind of normality, was agonising for all of them.
“I am so grateful to the NHS teams who cared for me with such skill, compassion, and determination. Their dedication gave me a second chance at life, and my family and I will never forget it.”
Manju remembers all the staff involved in her care and how they helped her during her stay in hospital – from the treatments and emergency procedures that saved her life, to smaller gestures like bringing in teabags, helping her take a shower, giving her a smile and thumbs-up, praying with her, and calmly supporting her family.
“To those who cared for me – on behalf of my entire family, thank you from the depths of our hearts,” she said. “You may see it as simply doing your job, but to us your care went far beyond that.
“Critical care within the NHS is second to none – world-class, truly. And the diverse, multicultural team that looked after me stands as a testament to the invaluable contribution of overseas staff. The NHS would not be what it is without you.”
Another thing that provided Manju with comfort during her stay was trips to the hospital’s garden. But she knew it had greater potential and made a silent promise to transform the space once she had recovered.
Staying true to her word, her business, Pillai Tutors, donated £10,000 to Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity to turn the garden into a calm, green haven to be enjoyed by patients, visitors, and staff for years to come.
It’s thanks to donations from people like Manju that Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity and St George’s Hospital Charity can provide extra support to patients, families and the incredible NHS staff who care for them. This year, that includes a generous donation for the gesh CARE Awards, which celebrate staff and teams working across St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh).
With the countdown to the awards under way, the public can now nominate staff who have given them outstanding care and support, and helped them in their time of need.
Manju said: “The gesh CARE Awards are a wonderful way for patients, families, and the public to recognise the extraordinary staff who go above and beyond every single day.
“I would encourage everyone who has been touched by the kindness or expertise of an NHS professional to take a moment to nominate them – it means so much for staff to know the difference they’ve made.”
James Blythe, incoming interim Chief Executive Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “Manju’s words are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary people we have working at gesh and how even the simplest gestures can have a lasting impact on our patients.
“I’m very proud of the compassion shown by our teams, and would like to thank Manju for sharing her story and wish her well as she continues her recovery.”
Molly Simpson, Head of Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re proud to support the gesh CARE Awards, which spotlight the very best of our hospitals and the NHS.
“Like Manju, you can show your appreciation for the incredible teams who’ve gone above and beyond for you by nominating them for an award – it only takes minutes, but will give our staff a huge boost.”
The celebrations, fully funded by sponsors, will take place in December at the iconic Kia Oval in Kennington, and will recognise all staff – from the clinical frontline to essential support colleagues, including porters, cleaners and volunteers.
Last year, more than 500 staff were nominated for a gesh CARE Award. To make a nomination yourself, visit this link by Friday 3 October.
