STAFF at Colchester Hospital were given hampers to say thank you for the work they do saving lives.

Secret Hamper, set up by Nigel Richardson, allows people to send hampers to friends or family.

Last year, Mr Richardson launched his NHS70 campaign, with the aim of delivering hampers to 70 hospitals across the country in celebration of the NHS’s 70th birthday.

Now he has presented 70 hampers to staff at Colchester Hospital.

More than half of the delivery was funded by patient Sandra Wrathall who suffered an aortic dissection - a tear in the inner lining of the body’s biggest artery.

Blood coming from the heart is sent into a false channel and can result in death.

Mr Richardson said: “This delivery was really quite special.

“The family had heard of our initiative to bring businesses and individuals together to show their appreciation for the unsung heroes of our NHS and recognise 70 years of care.

“Earlier this year Mrs Wrathall suffered an aortic dissection which could have been fatal if it wasn’t for the fact the brilliant Dr Abbas had been on duty at the time.

“Dr Abbas had recently completed a dissertation on aortic dissection and immediately recognised the symptoms.

“Mrs Wrathall was blue lighted to Papworth Hospital with minutes to spare and given just a 30 per cent chance of survival.

“Thankfully, the incredibly complex life saving surgery was a success and Sandra is on her way to a full recovery today.”

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:  

  • Handover - Secret Hamper and Sandra Wrathall hand over the hampers

Mrs Wrathall and her family set about raising enough funds for 40 hampers.

Mr Richardson added: “I met Sarah and her mum, Sandra, and was blown away by their generous gesture.

“It just goes to show you cannot put a price on a life.

“It was so humbling to be able to provide a platform that this family could show their gratitude.

“It’s a day I’ll remember for a very long time.”

The remaining 30 hampers were sponsored by companies from in and around the Colchester area including Integro, SVC, G&B Finch, Five Lakes Resort, Evo Supplies, Universal Web Design, Ultimotive, P&A Wood, Jelf, Crisp Design, Kingswood Group, KG Moore, Frederick Charles Wealth Management, The Mulberry Spa, Dewis Health.

The Secret Hamper team hope to deliver more hampers to staff at Southend, Basildon, Harlow and Romford hospitals.

For more information, visit www.secrethamper.com/nhs-70.