A RAF veteran from Rhyl who almost died after catching flu has urged others to protect themselves with a free vaccination this winter.

Mark Beech was rushed to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd by ambulance a couple of days after Christmas in 2018 after struggling to breathe – and woke up in intensive care more than two weeks later.

He cannot remember arriving at the hospital, and woke up in isolation, surrounded by life-saving equipment and nursing and medical staff in masks and gowns.

Doctors even called his daughters to his bedside twice because they feared he may not pull though.

“I was very lucky,” Mark said. “It was a life-changing experience for me. I don’t think I’ll ever recover from it.

“The consultant told me if I hadn’t been so strong and had so much willpower then I wouldn’t be here today.”

Mark, who lives in Rhyl, had contracted the H1N1 strain of flu – and says the illness has “obliterated” his life.

Rhyl Journal: Mark at the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.Mark at the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. (Image: Mark at the Emergency Department at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.)

“I’m very lucky to be here, because I really didn’t realise how serious it was,” Mark said.

“I lost a month of my life in hospital, and then my way of life when I came out. That’s as simply as I can put it.

Having undergone a tracheotomy to help support his breathing, he was unable to speak, and spent a further two weeks recovering in hospital and now attends outpatient appointments for related conditions and rehab.

He said he would urge everyone eligible for the flu free vaccine to protect themselves, their family and vulnerable people in the community by taking up the offer.

“I could have had a flu jab, but I chose not to because I didn’t think I needed one,” Mark said. “Now I would say to anyone – if you don’t have one you could die, it’s a simple as that.

“Anything that will stop people from getting the flu is a good idea.

“I know it will help with the pressure on the NHS and on NHS staff too. But the bottom line is this will help you to look after yourself and avoid the flu.”

For Mark, life has changed significantly.

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Having served all over the world with the Royal Air Force Regiment between 1973 and 1997, he now gets “very tired” completing what were once simple tasks.

“I used to be able to walk on the beach with my daughter and her dog, or we’d go up the Orme in Llandundo or go walking in Betws Y Coed,” said Mark.

“But that’s all changed now. I can only walk for five or ten minutes before I need to find somewhere to sit down. I’m out of breath doing anything, and I get very tired.

“If I go to the supermarket I need to have a trolley to lean on. I need to get a taxi even to go short distances. I haven’t even just walked around the town centre for such a long time – I would just have to keep stopping.”

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Last month, Wrexham Maelor critical care specialist Dr Andy Campbell urged people in North Wales to protect themselves against flu.

Free flu and Autumn COVID-19 booster vaccines are available to all adults aged 50 or over, plus priority high-risk groups including health workers, carers and people with underlying health conditions.

Betsi Cadwaladr immunisations coordinator Leigh Pusey said: “If you are in a priority group then getting your flu vaccine and Autumn COVID-19 booster is crucial.

“Please help to keep yourself well by making sure you take up this opportunity.”

More information on how to get your flu vaccine at Autumn COVID-19 booster is available here.