A GRATEFUL widow is to give a gift of more than a £1,000 to the hospital ward which cared for her husband.

Jane Bentley's husband, Ted, was cared for in Layer Marney ward at Colchester General Hospital.

He died five weeks before the couple’s golden wedding anniversary and six weeks before his 80th birthday.

Mr Bentley, who was a retired foreman in the building trade, died from the lung condition, pulmonary fibrosis.

Mrs Bentley said: “I’d like to thank all the staff, who worked over and above the call of duty, for the way they cared for my husband during his last days.

“We thought the best way of saying thank you was to ask people for donations at the funeral and to give the money to staff on Layer Marney Ward for use where they see fit.”

Mrs Bentley, 75, will visit the ward on Friday accompanied by her son, Ross.

They will present staff with £1,095 as a sign of the family’s gratitude for the care he received there.

The money was donated by the 300 people who attended the popular grandfather’s funeral.

Ross, 47, of Weavers Lane, Sudbury, added: “We were all struck by my father’s bravery in the face of the knowledge of the disease he was facing and his fighting spirit as he increasingly struggled to breathe.

“We are convinced his passing was as painless and peaceful as it could possibly have been.

“The medical and emotional care he received from all staff at Colchester was nothing short of outstanding and we will be forever grateful for the way they looked after him and managed his passing."

Rachel Lee, the ward sister of Layer Marney ward, said she looked forward to talking to Mrs Bentley and her son about how the money could best be spent for the benefit of patients.

“This really is a most generous donation and on behalf of all the staff on the ward I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed,” she said.

“It was a privilege and pleasure for us to care for Mr Bentley and we are extremely grateful for the kind feedback from the family.”

Mr Bentley, of Hawkwood Road, Sible Hedingham, was a member of a large family being one of 11 children. He leaves his widow, Jane, two sons and three grandsons.