A FAMILY has paid a heartfelt thank you to the hospital staff who worked tirelessly to help a loved one during a cancer battle.

Howard Varley, 62, of Idle, has praised staff at the Bradford Royal Infirmary for the way they looked after his late wife Josie, 59, who died in November last year.

"They were absolutely fantastic," he said. "The staff who were on that ward just could not do enough for us."

So touched by their kindness, Mr Varley's family held a collection for the ward at Josie's funeral and managed to raise £1,300, which has helped to buy a new ice machine.

A plaque in memory of Josie now also stands on ward 7 and was presented in an emotional meeting at the hospital.

Mr Varley said: "I just felt so relieved and so grateful that we had been able to do something that not only helps them, but helps other people on the ward.

"I just can't say enough thanks to the staff on that ward."

He also thanked everybody who made a donation at Josie's funeral, which helped to buy the equipment.