The grateful granddaughter of a much loved World War Two veteran has arranged a stunning springtime ball for Sheffield Hospitals Charity to thank city health staff for his care.

Laura Holland, aged 31, from Wincobank has organised the glitzy Spring Time Charity Ball to say thank you to the cardiovascular department staff at the Northern General Hospital for the care given to her grandad during the last few weeks of his life.

Her granddad, Kenneth Thompson was married to wife Vera for 65 years, but died aged 91 in a private room after several years of heart problems.

Laura said: “My Grandad had 91 wonderful years- he fought in the Second World War and had a successful career as a train engineer. He was married to my Nan, Vera, for 65 years and they had two children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“As a family unit we are all very close. Grandad used to take me to and from school while my parents worked, we had Saturday night sleepovers and all went on holiday together. He was a very family orientated man.

“Until ‘old age’ crept upon him, my Grandad was a healthy man, but in his later years he suffered with angina and had a slow leak in his heart, which meant he needed bi-monthly blood transfusions.

“He was under the care of Huntsman 4 at the Northern General Hospital for a number of years prior to his death. The care he received from all members of staff on the ward was amazing.

“He spent five weeks at the end of his life having round the clock care. In his final days his dignity was restored with a private room where we could all go and spend time with him before saying our final goodbyes. 

“My Nan, who is 88, also suffers with cardiovascular disease and has had a pacemaker fitted.  With the disease so close to our family, any money we can raise to help towards future heart research in his honour would be fantastic.”

The Spring Time Charity Ball will take place on Saturday 28 April 2018 at the Double Tree by Hilton, Sheffield Park, between 7pm and 1am. Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Sheffield Hospitals Charity and will be used to support research into heart conditions.

Tickets cost £38 which includes welcome drink, three course meal, evening entertainment and disco. To buy tickets email enquiries@[email protected].