Dad's message brings The Project viewers to tears after losing wife to flu
A heartbroken Queensland dad’s plea for people to get flu shots following the death of his wife has reduced viewers of The Project to tears.
Toowoomba mother of three Jacinta Foulds, 35, died in hospital early on Wednesday morning after catching the flu and developing a secondary infection.
Her devastated husband Dan Foulds told 10’s The Project he’s been through a “world of hurt” after losing his “soulmate”.
Mr Foulds - who is a carpenter and runs his own business - said he thought the flu shot was “a waste of money” and often went to work sick, but his opinion has now changed and he’s urging people get vaccinated.
“If I can use the death of my wife, my soulmate, my world, she was everything to me, if I can use her death in a positive manner then it’s not all for nothing,” he told The Project.
Mrs Foulds diagnosed with influenza A on August 2, but five days later she was rushed to hospital. She died the following day.
Her husband now hopes she didn’t die in vain.
Mr Foulds was visibly emotional and cried throughout the interview.
The Project’s hosts including Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar also appeared to be emotional affected by his heartbreaking words.
People watching at home were crying as well with some calling Mr Foulds’s “gut-wrenching” interview.
God, can't stop crying;
a #FluShot would have stopped this happening,
suddenly the cost of the jab seems insignificant, doesn't it! #TheProjectTV— Christine Whybrow🏳️🌈 (@christine_w86) August 8, 2019
💔 Just get a flu shot. This is gut wrenching #TheProjectTV
— unfunded and empathic (@saintsister) August 8, 2019
One woman tweeted her “whole house” was “in tears”.
“A poignant message from Dan's sad loss. The flu is serious: get your shot every year, stay home from work when sick, seek medical help early if symptoms persist,” she tweeted.
Another woman tweeted she couldn’t stop crying and one man called him brave for speaking publicly so soon after his wife’s death.
‘You saved lives’
Aly told Mr Foulds he believes the dad’s message will touch many people.
“Dan, I reckon you may have just saved more than one life - there’s a possibility you’ve saved lots,” Aly said.
He commended Mr Foulds’ bravery in speaking out about the issue to try to save others.
The hosts of the show implored everyone in Australia to get a flu shot.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the Foulds family at this difficult time.
With AAP
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