Lancaster Covid patient plants Queen's Platinum Jubilee tree as thank you to hospital

Steve Trainor was treated for Covid-19 at the RLI in late 2020 and was inspired to plant the tree to say thank you for the care he received.

He said: “I can’t praise the staff at the hospital enough. It's down to their dedication that I'm still here and am continuing to recover.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone at the hospital, and of course, God save the Queen.”

Steve donated the willow tree via Bay Hospitals Charity, which funds the latest equipment for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust to help make patients more comfortable and ensure they get the best possible care and treatment.

Guests of honour Mayor of Lancaster Coun Joyce Pritchard, Consultant Ms Shadaba Ahmed and University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust Non-Executive Director Sarah Rees were invited to scatter wildflower seeds around the tree to create a miniature garden outside the hospital’s ENT Department in Ashton Road.

Earlier this year, Steve and his friend Lisa-Marie Walkden donated a custom-made wrought iron bench to the hospital, also positioned near the ENT department.

Sarah Rees said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Steve for everything he has done for the hospital and Bay Hospitals Charity.

“Gifts like this make a big difference to patients, visitors and Trust colleagues, and it is great to see Steve recovered from his illness and able to support us.”

*You can contact Bay Hospitals Charity on 01524 516064 or email [email protected]