Corby dad-of-four presents gifts to KGH team who cared for him after nine-and-a-half hour op

Charles Smith spent twice as long as expected in the operating theatre
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A Corby father-of-four has praised the care he received as an inpatient after spending nearly ten hours on the operating table at Kettering General Hospital.

Charles Smith, a goldsmith, recovered in Geddington Ward for a week after the major operation after he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He was so impressed with his treatment and care that he says the experience restored his faith in humanity and wanted to thank them for dedication and kindness.

Mr Smith said: "I can't earn much money at the moment but I wanted to thank them and give them some gifts of appreciation.

"I really felt cared for and really looked after so I wanted to take them something."

Hoping that Morrisons supermarket in Corby might be able to help, Mr Smith asked if they would deliver a hamper to the ward staff.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Staff at the store match-funded the amount, providing boxes of chocolates to go with bottles of wine.

Charles Smith with the team on KGH's Geddington WardCharles Smith with the team on KGH's Geddington Ward
Charles Smith with the team on KGH's Geddington Ward

Mr Smith said: "Morrisons contributed by matching the amount I spent. Stacy Powers, the manager, and Tricia Robins, the community champion from Morrisons, explained they are only too happy to contribute and in fact set aside a budget for such requests, but of course need to be approached and asked for the help needed.

"Unfortunately, we can take the NHS for granted when someone is ill. It takes a certain kind of person to look after the immediate needs of another, in most cases a stranger and not just cater for their needs medically but holistically is a job that would swamp the best of us. The NHS provides a sterling service."

Mr Smith under went exploratory tests in February but further procedures had to be postponed due to Covid. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the start of July, undergoing the life-saving operation last moth.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During the surgery that was due to last four hours the team discovered a further lump, taking them an extra five-and-a-half a hours to complete.

He said: "I'm a changed man now after my operation. My faith in human nature has been restored.

"My surgeon Mr Kelkar is an incredible bloke. Him and his team are amazing."

Mr Smith visited the ward to present the gifts to the Geddington Ward team to say thank you for their care.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He will now undergo chemotherapy starting later this month.

He added: "The work the NHS does on a daily basis can never be viewed as ordinary.

"This country of ours with its many faults is known worldwide as a charitable nation and while fashions and fads come and go our readiness to give is undaunted.

"We should never give up or get tired of recognising the extraordinary work the NHS does on a daily basis."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Related topics: