Donation in memory of local veteran helps loved ones stay close at Basildon Hospital

A £1,000 donation made in memory of Leslie Girdler is helping families stay close to their loved ones at Basildon Hospital. The family’s gift has funded a new relatives’ bed for Linford Ward, offering comfort and rest to those who need to stay overnight when it’s needed the most.

The donation, made on Leslie’s behalf, was made up of contributions given at his funeral. Friends and family chose to donate in lieu of flowers to honour a man remembered for his humour, kindness and pride in his military service.

Leslie spent 16 days on Linford Ward, where staff cared for him with compassion and warmth. Tonie shared how much their approach meant to the family: “The staff made Dad’s time in hospital that much easier, caring for him with humour, humility and kindness. We’d often walk in to find nurses and doctors listening to his familiar war stories. It meant so much that Dad was truly seen.”

During the days when Leslie was most unwell, his family stayed overnight, sleeping in chairs beside his bed. That experience inspired his family’s wish to help others.

“We hope that having a visitors’ bed will make difficult times that little bit easier for families of patients on Linford Ward.”

Basildon Hospital’s Sinthu Murugan-Rajoo, Trauma and Orthopaedic, Fractured Femur Specialist Nurse said “We are so thankful for this generous donation which will mean family members can stay close overnight when a patient is particularly poorly. Leslie’s gift from his friends and family will bring comfort and reassurance when it’s needed most”.