A healthcare assistant was nominated for an award by the grandson of a former soldier he provided care for during his final days.

Gerard Braithwaite, 92, was admitted to ward C9 at Royal Blackburn Hospital and was cared for by Zafran Akram.

Mr Braithwaite was raised in Bury and Helmshore and, after a 24-year-career in the British Army, he settled in Accrington and worked for Robinsons Coach Travel until his retirement.

Trevor Thompson, Mr Braithwaite’s grandson, said Mr Akram provided brilliant care for his grandfather during his time on the ward.

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Trevor, from Great Harwood, said: “My grandad had been in hospital for more than a month and sadly passed away when he came home.

“Whilst on the ward my grandad spoke extremely highly of Zafran and how well he was looking after him.

"I also witnessed his professionalism, attentiveness, and care he provided for my grandad – he would always go out of his way to help and that was clear not just for my grandad but everyone else on the ward.”

Mr Thompson said during a visit to the ward he noticed a colleague of the month board on the wall and decided to nominate Mr Akram for it to try and give a little back for the care he had given.

“I’d never be able to repay Zafran for what he did but hopefully this nomination might show our appreciation,” he said.

Zafran, who lives in Blackburn and has worked for East Lancashire Hospitals Trust for two years, said receiving the nomination and the award meant a great deal to him.

He said: “I treat my patients like I would my own family, so it’s nice that this has been recognised.

"I enjoy the work I do and this award shows that it is appreciated.”

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The award, which is presented every month, honours and highlights staff who have gone above and beyond their role and nominations are usually made between colleagues, so it is exceptional to be nominated by a patient’s family.

Alison Sugden, staff experience and engagement officer for the trust, said: “It does make a real difference when a patient or family member does this and boosts morale for the nominee and also the team.”