Kevin Bablee and his wife Anjna have described how the entire hospital community, including daily walks through the corridors and visits to the chapel, helped them survive a challenging year at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Kevin, a heart transplant patient, and Anjna have been at the hospital since June 18, 2025, initially waiting for a heart transplant and then recovering from one.
Now, as Kevin prepares to finally go home on Monday, June 18, the couple reflected on their time on the wards. They credited the 'Freeman family' of staff and fellow patients for creating an incredible community that supported them throughout their ordeal.
The couple explained that they have made lifelong friends, including being invited for Christmas dinners. Some NHS staff who cared for them even urged them to move north from their native north London to the North East. While they are not planning that just yet, they are happy to be 'adopted Geordies' and say Tyneside will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Kevin previously told ChronicleLive about meeting many people while walking the hospital's corridors. When asked how they got through the tough year, Kevin said: 'Everyone here, in one way or another, has done something to support both Anjna and I. We have been here in the Chapel every day. As I became well enough, I started to walk around, discovering things.'
'The thing about the chapel is wonderful. We are both Hindu, but whatever faith you are, you can come here, you can stay as long as you want. Nobody is going to push you out. This whole place, the whole hospital, it runs on goodwill. The staff here from morning until night are amazing. It's not just a job for them.'
He noted that everyone, from porters and cleaners to consultants, helped support them daily. Kevin added: 'The people here are our 'Freeman family'. As far as we are concerned these are the Freeman angels.'
The 59-year-old, who worked in pharmacy and is now looking forward to walking his niece down the aisle at her wedding, has been a lifelong heart patient due to a congenital heart defect. In early June 2025, he was admitted to a London hospital and told he needed a transplant, leading to his transfer to the Freeman's renowned heart unit.
Both Kevin and Anjna praised the people who supported them, with Kevin reserving special thanks for his wife of more than 30 years. He said: 'I have had ups and downs, there were times where I said I wanted to get out of here, just go home. But Anjna has been there.'
Anjna added: 'Our journey would not have been possible without everyone here. It's everyone, in their entirety - it's not just a job to anyone and without them, none of this would be possible.'
The couple spoke at a special tea party organized by the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust's multifaith chaplaincy team to mark Kevin's upcoming discharge. Chaplain Emma Barker said: 'It's a community here, and that is especially true for a patient who is staying here long term. This chapel is a space that is open to everybody, of all faiths and none, to find respite and peace.'
'I know that Kevin and Anjna have really valued coming down - we have been here with them when he was just on the transplant list, and now he has had the transplant and is going home!'
