Jenny Gayton of Charters Towers in heartbreaking medical battle

A highly respected couple who have served a rural Qld community for decades are facing a heartbreaking battle following a life-changing medical event.

Ken and Jenny Gayton have dedicated their lives to their family and community in Charters Towers, North Queensland. Picture: Supplied

A highly respected elderly couple who have selflessly served the North Queensland community for decades are facing a heartbreaking battle following a life-changing medical event.

Daughter-in-law Cherie Martin said well-known Charters Towers local Jenny Gayton, 77, a former hairdresser, teacher aide and community volunteer, remained in Townsville University Hospital after suffering complications from recent spinal surgery.

She said the complications included a serious e-coli infection and a fall that had resulted in a brain bleed.

Ms Martin, from Brisbane, said Mrs Gayton was facing an uncertain future, “with the family hoping for recovery but preparing for potential long-term challenges”.

Ms Martin said her mother-in-law had been married to husband Ken Gayton for 59 years.

Well-known Charters Towers local Jenny Gayton, 77, a former hairdresser, teacher aide and community volunteer, remains in Townsville University Hospital after suffering complications from recent spinal surgery. The complications include a serious e-coli infection and a fall that had resulted in a brain bleed. Picture: Supplied

Ken Gayton, a former member of the fire brigade for 25 years, has also served as president of the Lions Club where he started a program to install smoke detectors in homes for the elderly. Picture: Supplied

Mr Gayton, a former member of the fire brigade for 25 years, has also served as president of the Lions Club where he started a program to install smoke detectors in homes for the elderly.

The couple have three children, Kylie, Ian and Nicole, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with a ninth on the way.

Ken and Jenny Gayton have three children, Kylie, Ian and Nicole, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren with a ninth on the way. Picture: Supplied

Ms Martin said the pensioners lived modestly in an ageing home that required a considerable amount of work to make it more accessible.

She said the family had started a GoFundMe page seeking funds for rehabilitation and therapy costs, transportation to medical appointments, home renovations for accessibility, including a ramp, as well as a mobility scooter for Mr Gayton who was no longer able to drive.

“The outpouring of love and support from friends and family has been overwhelming.”

Ken and Jenny Gayton, left, are in the fight of their lives. Picture: Supplied

Mr Gayton said the couple had always placed the interests of other people before their own.

“It’s hard for us to accept help ourselves,” he said.

“This campaign is a way for us, their children and grandchildren, to give back and ensure their home remains a loving and accessible place for Jenny’s return.”

The fundraising page can be accessed HERE.

Originally published as Jenny Gayton of Charters Towers in heartbreaking medical battle