IN October 3, 2002, my wife Eunice collapsed at 8.30am.

I rang 999 and an ambulance came at 8.40am. They examined her for some 20 minutes, and then we set off for the Royal Bolton Hospital.

On arriving, she was put in a cubicle and several tests were done. After some two hours I was told she had had a severe stroke. She had to wait in the cubicle another nine hours as they couldn't find a bed.

She has just spent 19 weeks on L3 Stroke Unit Ward, and now I must thank the following for all they did for her.

The ambulance attendant for the speed they worked, and staff in Accident and Emergency.

And now L3 Ward -- all the staff on this ward deserve the highest praise for all the work they do, both day and night. The work involved for patients who have suffered a stroke can be deeply touching, as they can be laid up for many months. I must also thank Dr Halstead and her staff for all their care and attention they gave.

While she was on L3 Ward, Eunice reached her 80th birthday, and a party was given for her. Mr Brunt the Chief Executive, and Mr Liptrot the Chairman, presented her with flowers from the Bolton Evening News for Bouquet of the Week.

She came home on Valentine's Day.

And now a final thanks to the staff in the main restaurant, for they invited Eunice and myself and gave us a lovely meal.

So now to you one and all, many many thanks, and good luck to you all.

From a grateful patient Eunice Hales,

her husband Alfred and daughter Rosemary

Little Lever