Retired Warwick radiographer Penny Bailey recovering following tragic accident

A beloved Warwick radiographer and community figure is recovering after a tragic accident in February. Here’s how you can help her get her life back.

A well-known and much loved community figure, who suffered a tragic accident in February, is recovering in Warwick Hospital and is feeling “extremely grateful” for the support the community has shown.

Penny Bailey served as the radiographer at Warwick Hospital for more than a decade, helping hundreds throughout the community before retiring.

Tragically, the 71-year-old suffered a horrific fall in February, after slipping on the kitchen floor in her home, dislocating her knee and rupturing blood vessels in the process.

While doctors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane did everything they could, they were forced to do an above-knee amputation in order to save the mother-of-five’s life.

Former Warwick radiographer Penny Bailey is still recovering following an accident in February (Photo: Lisa Murphy)

Ms Bailey said she was grateful for the support the community had shown to help her recovery, and was excited to use the proceeds of a fundraiser set up for her to “gain her independence back”.

“I’ve always been a planner – it’s the sort of person I am, and always have been able to depend on myself,” she said.

“I’ve raised five beautiful and successful children, I’m a really, really strong person, like a mother lion to them.

“And all of a sudden, I can’t defend myself, my whole future is in the hands of others, I was a fit and healthy 71-year-old and all of a sudden I can’t look after myself.”

Penny Bailey was a well known health professional and notable community figure before retiring (Photo: Lisa Murphy)

It’s been a tough journey for Ms Bailey, encountering “horrific phantom pains, like knives in the calf” on the road to recovery.

Sadly, Ms Bailey is not eligible for support from the NDIS, as she is above the threshold age of 65, meaning every cent donated will go to Ms Bailey in order to help her on to road to recovery.

“All I want to do – what I’m looking forward to the most – is take my dog for a walk,” she said.

“I’ve got the most beautiful little dog and I can’t wait to take him for a walk in the motorised wheelchair. I need my freedom back and I really appreciate everyone and anybody that can help me out from the bottom of my heart.

“I’ve always loved people and it doesn’t matter where they’ve come from, it comes naturally to me and seeing so many people that have gathered beneath me and supported and loved me is an amazing feeling.”

Ms Bailey’s GoFundMe campaign, organised by friend and co-worker Lisa Murphy, quickly raised almost $1000 in less than a day.

You can donate to help via this link.

Originally published as Retired Warwick radiographer Penny Bailey recovering following tragic accident