Harry Fearnley??

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 3:33 pm

I think that is his name. Does anyone on the board know this gentleman. He lives in Alsancak, not far from the Escape Beach. Has two dogs, and we think he is in his early 70's. He had an accident at Petcross this morning when he was taking his dog in, and the dog pulled him over. He was very shaken, but seems to have injured either his hip or knees, not sure yet as he is in Girne State Hospital and we are waiting for news. He says he has no one here or in UK. He is in quite a bad way, so we are just trying to find if there is anyone who knows him.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Tue 13 Feb 2018 7:04 pm

Please inform the BRS, they will offer support if he really does have no-one.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 9:14 am

Thank you Frontalman, we did get in touch yesterday with BRS, they are going to see if there is anything they can do, or the British High Commission. He is still in the hospital and we think may have a broken hip, which is not good news if there is no-one to help him.

kerry 6138 · Post by **kerry 6138** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 9:52 am

If Harry's a ex serviceman he could call on British Legion and SSAFA support.
get well soon Harry.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 10:00 am

Thanks Kerry6138, I believe someone is trying BL too.

ljarvo · Post by **ljarvo** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 10:59 am

Thank you ... is a neighbour or someone looking after the dogs??

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 4:37 pm

The one dog died unfortunately at the Vets yesterday. The Vets at Petcross are looking after the other one. Firdez and Emma, and us two, have been running around all day trying to get him sorted. He was discharged from State Hospital this morning, so Firdez plus us, tried to get him home. He was very bad, could not walk so we could not get him back into his house, but could not have just left him there as he is not able to get around. We finally got him into Near East for tonight and are hoping the British High Commission will step in tomorrow. It is an absolute nightmare, and just feel so sad for him, but he is completely alone.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 4:38 pm

He was not in the forces so BL are not an option. He literally has no-one, but at the current time, needs help and support.

snd1966 · Post by **snd1966** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 4:56 pm

This is a real wake up call there is not an organisation here to help short term cases. It seems even if you want to pay there is not the facility and service here. I suppose its all down to work permits and liability why nobody has even tried it.

Brighton Dot · Post by **Brighton Dot** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 5:07 pm

This is just an incredibly sad situation for Harry to be in. I'm not sure what I can do to help but if there is anything then Emma has my number. I was also at the vets when this happened.

jackvern · Post by **jackvern** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 6:39 pm

My God what a complete nightmare. Won't the British High commission have his passport details with next of kin or at least be able to trace relatives. This is something they should be pro active in. Has he lived here for years without anybody knowing him. I am sure you have asked him Mrsgee about friend and relatives. Is there absolutely nobody.would like to help and you can contact me if we can be of any assistance. Thanks to you Firdez and Emma for what you have done so far.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 7:28 pm

Seems a bit much when these organisations raise so much dosh through all our charitable contributions, but can't help this poor old fella because he doesn't qualify???????

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 7:45 pm

FM. Absolutely with you. But, charitable organisations are restricted by both their own and charity rulings. Maybe there is a provision within their charters for 'one off special cases'. However, less charitable members of such charities could well raise legal challenge. This chap needs a professional occupational therapist to visit and assess his needs. I would contribute to his care, but what is it, for how long, by whom?

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 7:49 pm

jackvern wrote:My God what a complete nightmare. Won't the British High commission have his passport details with next of kin or at least be able to trace relatives. This is something they should be pro active in. Has he lived here for years without anybody knowing him. I am sure you have asked him Mrsgee about friend and relatives. Is there absolutely nobody.would like to help and you can contact me if we can be of any assistance. Thanks to you Firdez and Emma for what you have done so far.

The BHS will only have contact details if the individual submitted them. As a UK Government organisation, it is not the most proactive. Indeed, Mr Kidd, doesn't even recognise the TRNC, ergo we are not here.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 14 Feb 2018 8:16 pm

snd1966 wrote:This is a real wake up call there is not an organisation here to help short term cases. It seems even if you want to pay there is not the facility and service here. I suppose its all down to work permits and liability why nobody has even tried it.

This is one of the reasons I criticize the laterest "intake" of expats. There used to be a very active organisation intended to help expats who had no family to assist them inthe case of illness or accident, at least until other arrangements could be made. It died a death but was replaced by something with similar aims, called "North Cyprus Health Care". I mention this tentatively as I am not sure if it still operates as such, but the last number I have on record for it is 0533 884 5621. I think that is Chris, known on Cyprus 44 as "Nurse Awful".

snd1966 · Post by **snd1966** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 6:50 am

Ragged Robin wrote:
snd1966 wrote:This is a real wake up call there is not an organisation here to help short term cases. It seems even if you want to pay there is not the facility and service here. I suppose its all down to work permits and liability why nobody has even tried it.
This is one of the reasons I criticize the laterest "intake" of expats. There used to be a very active organisation intended to help expats who had no family to assist them inthe case of illness or accident, at least until other arrangements could be made. It died a death but was replaced by something with similar aims, called "North Cyprus Health Care". I mention this tentatively as I am not sure if it still operates as such, but the last number I have on record for it is 0533 884 5621. I think that is Chris, known on Cyprus 44 as "Nurse Awful".

Those were the days, when my Father was poorly there was an organisation not sure if 'legal' who organised someone to go in the morning to help get him out of bed and in the evening help put him to bed. The same group when a customer bought over her father for a holiday did elder sitting when they had a few meals out at places he could not attend but i have not heard about them since 2009ish.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 8:02 am

I know the state hospitals used to call the BRS when a Brit (or other) was admitted, in case they had no relatives. I remember Pru Lundie and Anne Iverson used to visit, to name but a pair of good-hearted volunteers. But of course that was in the good old days when men were men and women were glad!

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 8:20 am

jackvern wrote:My God what a complete nightmare. Won't the British High commission have his passport details with next of kin or at least be able to trace relatives. This is something they should be pro active in. Has he lived here for years without anybody knowing him. I am sure you have asked him Mrsgee about friend and relatives. Is there absolutely nobody.would like to help and you can contact me if we can be of any assistance. Thanks to you Firdez and Emma for what you have done so far.

Thanks Jackvern. I am hoping that the High Commission will send someone today, or at least get in touch with the Near East. We even asked Harry if he had any numbers on his phone for contacts, but he said no, all he has is a distant cousin in UK somewhere. I suspect he pretty much keeps himself to himself. He does live on a large housing estate, but says his neighbours are all Turkish. It is hard to believe someone can have absolutely no-one and that he could end up in such a sorry state. He says he used to have a friend over here but he has gone.

kerry 6138 · Post by **kerry 6138** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 8:38 am

i wouldnt put to much faith in the High Commision , I tried to use them regarding a lone British child in TRNC , they were happy tp pass information back and forth but wouldnt visi the child or interact in a meaninful way with any of the TRNC agencys involved.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 9:29 am

I still think it would be nice if the BRS or RBL were to step in and do something to help. They have the organisation and financial clout to be able to assist. It's not just ex-service people and BRS members who contribute via fund-raisers to their coffers so a little bending of the rules would not go amiss here.

tomsteel · Post by **tomsteel** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 10:08 am

frontalman wrote:I still think it would be nice if the BRS or RBL were to step in and do something to help. They have the organisation and financial clout to be able to assist. It's not just ex-service people and BRS members who contribute via fund-raisers to their coffers so a little bending of the rules would not go amiss here.

fm. Whilst I repeat my empathy for this man, what can these organisations do even if their charters permit it? If they give money - who to, for what, how much, how long? Do they have the wherewithal to provide professional help to meet his needs? As a retired chartered physiotherapist I volunteered to assist an elderly patient who had suffered a catastrophic stroke and was hospitalised for ages. When she came home her husband sought help. I tried. However, she needed full-time care and was way beyond what I could offer. My point is, there is no facility in the TRNC to care for expats in these situations. That is a fact of life, as sad as this is.

jackvern · Post by **jackvern** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 11:04 am

Popped into Near East Hospital this morning to see if I could help. Spoke to Eddie the font of all knowledge who was aware of the matter.it appears Michelle from the BRS had also visited and was in touch with British High Commission to see if they can assist. Harry was released from the hospital yesterday and taken home by taxi. He has no broken bones and just needs to rest up for a couple of weeks. Whilst he was a bit confused by the fall his tests were all good.
We may get some more information later from the BRS who have his address but apparently not his contact number as to any form of home help or assistance required.

kerry 6138 · Post by **kerry 6138** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 11:36 am

There are people out there who provide home help services but stay under the radar because of work permit issues .

madeincyprus · Post by **madeincyprus** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 12:43 pm

when my mum was ill Chris at Britsh Kolan arranged for a nurse to come in and help with mum. Sadly she died before they came in.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 2:28 pm

jackvern wrote:Popped into Near East Hospital this morning to see if I could help. Spoke to Eddie the font of all knowledge who was aware of the matter.it appears Michelle from the BRS had also visited and was in touch with British High Commission to see if they can assist. Harry was released from the hospital yesterday and taken home by taxi. He has no broken bones and just needs to rest up for a couple of weeks. Whilst he was a bit confused by the fall his tests were all good.
We may get some more information later from the BRS who have his address but apparently not his contact number as to any form of home help or assistance required.

Thanks for that Jackvern. We have just been to the Vet, Firdez, who told us that Harry had discharged himself last night and gone home in a taxi. Quite how he would manage throughout the night, I have no idea as he was unable to stand unaided, and would certainly not be able to walk, prepare food, etc., but his choice at the end of the day. When we were at Near East with him yesterday, he saw the Orthopedic Specialist, who told him that there were no broken bones but unless he rested it, it would be likely to fracture. Anyway, I hope that Michelle from the BRS will be able to sort something for him, and that he will accept whatever help he needs.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 3:33 pm

Latest I know, straight from the Horses Mouth so to speak, yes the BRS are taking it forward, and St Andrews Church is also to arrange for someone to visit, so hopefully all will be well. Fingers crossed for Harry. And thanks for everyone's suggestions and in particular jackvern for visiting Near East this morning to check on progress.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 3:54 pm

frontalman wrote:I know the state hospitals used to call the BRS when a Brit (or other) was admitted, in case they had no relatives. I remember Pru Lundie and Anne Iverson used to visit, to name but a pair of good-hearted volunteers. But of course that was in the good old days when men were men and women were glad!

And the sheep were frightened! Sorry I don't mean to spoil a serious subject by an infantile joke, but the temptation to finish off the quote was irresistible! A case of laughing that I may not cry.

How few people out of so many on this forum have shown even an interest in this subject. Sadly it is far from unusual for elderly people in the UK to be alone without assistance if they have an accident in the. At a certain age unless one is part of a large family, one finds that suddenly all the people one used to know have gone to better place, and the rest of the world is too busy to care. So sad that it has now spread here where we used to be mutually assistant society. I know several elderly people who are only able to cope because of the assistance of their Cypriot friends and neighbours - in mho a shame on the Brit community and its charities and associations.

Mrs gee: well done for being one who did care. Will you hear from the BRS what is needed and what is being done and could you or they be kind enough to let us know. There are those who are not members of the BRS who would wish to help regardless.

The other really sad thing is that if this man needed reptriation the BHC would not be able to arrange for reception at the other end, and goodness knows where he would end up, ; corridor in an overworked overcrowded hospital if he was very lucky.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 4:04 pm

Yes, RR, I have a good friend involved with BRS, so I can keep you posted with as much as I can, however, just have to say that whatever anyone can offer.... if Harry will not accept not much can be done..... lead a horse to water and all that good stuff. The Near East were able to offer support in their care home, but of course has to be paid for. Sadly, Harry did not want it, for whatever reason. Often, with elderly people I think that they don't want to accept how bad things are, and want to carry on as normal..... whatever normal is.

jackvern · Post by **jackvern** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 5:01 pm

Have to say that without this forum we would have been none the wiser. This really is a good use of social media and thank you Soner and Mrsgee. Like it or not and I am a member it was the BRS who stepped up to the plate and are usually the first port of call in situations like this. Thanks to them. The Church bless them are now involved so for a small community I must say its working well. Interesting to note that whilst we had a good response to the plight of this gentleman that there were vastly more hits on the forum regarding freebies,flight prices etc. and certainly more responses. Get well soon Harry and I hope you realise how much SOME People really care.

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 5:18 pm

I'm pleased that someone from the BRS cared and was able to help. I hope Harry is able to accept whatever help is available eventually. I also hope a line of communication is kept open with him and he doesn't sit in isolation. Get well soon.

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 5:50 pm

I don't think that the title of the thread ("Harry Fearnley??") - phrased as it was, in order to appeal to anyone who knew Harry - did anything to stimulate viewing by the general Forum membership.

This is not intended as a criticism of the OP, who has done a sterling job in mustering support from the relevant organisations, but, as they did state in the initial post, "we are just trying to find if there is anyone who knows him"...

I get the impression that many readers of this Forum pick and choose what to view based on the relevance of the thread's title, which in this case gives no indication that there could be, perhaps, a gentleman in dire need of assistance (which he may well be disinclined to accept!) and thereby encourage the charitable instincts of other Forum members.

Given the comparatively low number of 'hits' that this thread has had, (for the aforementioned reasons,) I am encouraged by the level of support offered by those who actually responded in a helpful way - people with the ability and resources to do so.

It could be considered by many to be tragic to reach old age without having acquired friends who would offer support in times of need, but it seems that Harry Fearnley is an independent soul, who is minded to look after himself - I don't think that you can force help upon those who are not inclined to accept it...

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 6:20 pm

Thank you for that feedback Keith, in my defence may I say we were in a situation where we were desperate to try to locate anyone that knew this poor man. I am sorry that you found the title inappropriate and of course take on board what you say, however, I am more concerned with what is happening with Harry, and thanks to everyone who have taken an interest and have helped in every way that they can. The BRS have been great, getting involved, and I am sure they also contacted St Andrews Church,, as have other people. Jackvern. Firdez at Petcross, who spent over 4 hours of her valuable time with us yesterday trying to get Harry sorted, Emma at Petcross who has been wonderful also, going to the State Hospital with him on Tuesday when it happened and then going to his home to collect his dog. To everyone else who may try to help in whatever way they can I would like to thank. I am sure, in future, I will sit and ponder on a better heading for any posting I may make...... in the meantime, I can only hope Harry will be ok.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 7:43 pm

As one of those who "have reached old age without having acquired friends who would (or could) offfer ) support in times of need " (except, bless them, as it tuned out my Cypriot friends.) may I make the following points.

As I said above, some people just outlive their closer relatives and best friends. Or good friends and relatives are themselves elderly and frail.

The "elderly" often have little left but their pride, and a dislike of being patronised may make them unresponsive to help. , A little tact goes a long way,

We have of no idea of this person's finances,it may be that he has heard the stories of people being kept in hospital until their charges were met, and was scared of this happening. Even if he had money, in today's neurotic financial climate it can be difficult to access funds , particularly from a hospital bed.

Some people , whatever age, are just not naturally extrovert and gregarious, and may prefer staying at home with their own company to going out to rowdy pubs etc,

Elderly people could well be mourning the loss of spouse or partner, and prefer not to share their grief with strangers.

Please do not give up on this man if he does not inititially appear to welcome your help, and do treat him as an adult, not a slightly backward child as some "carers" do. I hope someone will continue to discreetly keep an eye on him.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 7:53 pm

aot think I would be a "True Kibcomer" or expat Brit in North Cyprus, if I were not by now wondering and worrying about what is happening to the dog,

The other thing about loners is that they may transfer all their affections to their pet, and there is no dount dogs are a great comfort and asset in many cases. This poor man, who may well be stilll in shock, or suffering delayed shock, must be missing his companion. Is there no one living nearby who could help him feed and exercise it so he could still have its company (having first checked that he wants it, of course).

And what was wrong withthe dogs that died? And why was an elderly man struggling to control two dogs in a vets surgery? Particularly when on must have been Ill?

Keithcaley · Post by **Keithcaley** » Thu 15 Feb 2018 10:27 pm

mrsgee, Please don't think for a minute that your Post's Subject Heading was inappropriate - it was entirely to the point, in that it was aimed at locating / identifying anyone who knows Harry.

You have been a brick

I do sympathise with poor Harry, it's only a couple of months ago that my two dogs pulled me over in the car park outside a vets, resulting in scraped limbs and bruised ego...

jofra · Post by **jofra** » Fri 16 Feb 2018 12:03 am

At the time of writing; 34 replies versus 1460 views - as judgement has been passed that "few have shown even an interest", I would just suggest that while only 34 have commented (not necessarily offering assistance or effective suggestions), a considerable number may have taken the time - and interest to read the thread. For example, (as stated) 34 replies - I have viewed pretty well after each post, so I assume that 34 out of the 1460 views are mine.
However, as a "swallow" (only in TRNC 3/4 months a year), while I have an avid interest in what is currently happening (in and out of the forum several times a day), I don't have enough local knowledge or the physical presence and capability to suggest or offer help - all of this also applies to friends, who are also "swallows" - and also read this forum (adding to the views?)...

Cally · Post by **Cally** » Fri 16 Feb 2018 10:07 am

Like you jofra, I felt put out at the thought I had also viewed/read but not commented. I'm also a visitor but reading posts helps me to understand a place that I love, a little better. There was no point in posting as I had nothing to offer, apart from maybe "many thanks to those who did & were able to help" in what ever way.

I just hope Mr Fearnley recovers well & is able to accept any help that may be offered.

I also live alone & have only a couple of friends in UK, I have more friends in North Cyprus so could easily end up in the same situation. There may be more options in UK but I wouldn't count on it, with all the cuts........

frontalman · Post by **frontalman** » Fri 16 Feb 2018 10:25 am

I suspect that others may have read and then acted, or put events into action, rather than responding by commenting. Good samaritans tend not to seek praise or recognition.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Fri 16 Feb 2018 11:19 am

Thank you for all the interest, suggestions and offers of help.

RR, to clarify, Harry did not take 2 dogs to the vet. He drove from Alsancak with one dog that was seriously ill. The other one he left at home. When he got out of his car, the dog, who was quite big, tugged his lead and pulled Harry over. He could not get up, it was muddy, we had just arrived on the carpark so went to pick him up. Later in the day, after we got Harry to hospital, we found that the dog sadly had cancer and had died at the vets. Naturally, once they found out he had another dog, Emma, from the Vets, went and found Harry's house, collected the dog and took it back, so rest assured all that could be done, was done.

Rest assured, also, no-one has treated Harry as a 'slightly backward child'. He has been treated with respect and consideration at all times.

The BRS have now taken over. Firdez from the vets is taking some additional equipment this afternoon to help him as much as possible.

If nothing else, I think there are some lessons to be learned from this sad event.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Fri 16 Feb 2018 2:34 pm

Thanks mrsgee for that info. I do hope Harry can be reunited with the second dog soon . If he is anything like me he wlll be worrying more about the dog than himself!

No of course I did not think anyone had patronised Harry that way. It was a general comment and advice based on past experience of dealing with the elderly and or disabled plus some recent personal experience. I am really sorry if it was read the wrong way.

It would be nice to hear how he gets on, and when the BRS have reviewed the sitution if there is anything anyone can do - from what appears so far, it sounds like a home help plus someone to keep in touch, which probably needs someone living in his area.

Once again thanks to you (and Jackvern) for proving that human nature is not always so bad.

Post by **Soner** » Sat 17 Feb 2018 7:37 am

i have only just read this thread. Glad that some members had come to Harry's rescue, an awful situation for one to be in. I am in Cyprus only for a few days, but if any financial assistance in needed, then please get in touch with me asap.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Sat 17 Feb 2018 8:32 am

Thank you Soner for your kind offer. I will try to keep up with how Harry is doing. For now, the BRS have stepped in. Firdez from Petcross went yesterday to take some equipment to help him, and someone has been brought in to clean his home. Hopefully, he will be ok with help, but not sure how he will be in the longer term, I guess he will need to make some decisions about that.

snd1966 · Post by **snd1966** » Wed 21 Feb 2018 5:47 pm

How is Harry?

I generally go that way on Tuesdays and Fridays so if he ever wanted anything dropped in I could help. Unfortunately I could not offer more as I work and do not live in the area. but more than willing to put a water bottle on a cooler, drop in shopping while in the area.

This is a real wake up call and even with friends and acquaintances I don't think I would like to depend on people for long.
No wonder people have to head back to their own country or where their family are.

mrsgee · Post by **mrsgee** » Wed 21 Feb 2018 8:47 pm

snd1966 the latest is...I don't really want to go into too much detail, but there has been another traumatic incident, but he is being supported at the moment, and will be fine for at least a month which is the arrangement currently in place.

It is so kind of you to offer some help to him...he has help in place for one month, but after that...who knows?

Sadly, Harry has no one....stuck between a rock and a hard place....can't see really how going back to UK is feasible to be honest...

BRS are dealing with it, and as I said, for one month, as I understand, someone will be there 24/7... can only wish him the very best. but you are right, massive wake up call for a lot of people over here.

Ragged Robin · Post by **Ragged Robin** » Wed 21 Feb 2018 8:56 pm

n fairness to the gentleman whose name heads this thread, and , perhaps, also to Mrsgee, I am starting another thread about care of the vulnerable.

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