A MUM has thanked The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) for the care of her son over the years with a special gift for other children.

Melanie, from Hertfordshire, donated a selection of toys for the children’s ward and chocolates for the team at the trust.

She was inspired to donate after her son’s stays on the Dolphin Ward at the hospital.

She said: “My four-year-old son Ciaran has a history of breathing problems from when he was just six months old. We have had to take him to PAHT many times over the last few years. We were at the hospital so frequently that we got to know most of the nurses by name.

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“It’s really hard as a parent to see your child suffering and when you are staying on a children’s ward or in the children’s A&E for days at a time, it can be quite traumatic to hear other children in pain and suffering. The members of staff at PAHT are amazing and we have always had the best care whenever my son has needed treatment.

“We have had to stay with my son on the Dolphin Ward on many occasions, sometimes for three to four days at a time, and having a place that the kids can go to play is invaluable when you are unable to leave the ward. We’ve always found it so lovely how the kids play together with others staying on the ward and make friends during their stay.

“It has been such a tough couple of years for frontline health workers during Covid-19, so we wanted to give something back in gratitude for the wonderful care we have always received at PAHT. A big thank you to all the hard working and dedicated staff in the NHS.”

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Gary Taylor, head of charity at The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, said: “A huge thanks to Melanie, and of course Ciaran, for this generous donation for Dolphin Ward.

“We are always grateful for any donations that we receive. This donation in particular shows that gifts do not have to be monetary, and yet can still be beneficial to making the patient experience more positive.”