Christmas has always been a time for goodwill, and a former patient has helped bring that kindness to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) this year.

Joe Harford, 81, was seriously ill when he was bought to QEHB in 2011 when, after many setbacks and spending two months in hospital over Christmas, he was nursed back to health.

Thanking his nurses for the treatment he received, Joe wanted to give something back in the run up to the season of goodwill and donated his 10ft tall Christmas tree, which is bringing cheer to the Postgraduate Centre. 

Joe said: “The treatment I received at the hospital was outstanding. I was given such wonderful care to help me move on from the trauma of my illness and all the pitfalls after that, it’s a pleasure to give something back.

“The special care that I received was the reason that I am talking about it now. I was treated alongside the injured troops that were coming in from Afghanistan and though I felt that I had no right to be there I was assured by the staff and the troops that there was no problem,” Joe added.

A former paratrooper himself, once the word had gotten out about this own military past, Joe was made more than welcome and became the honorary veteran on the ward.

Nick Morris, the Postgraduate Centre Manager was delighted to receive the tree and invited Joe and his wife Mary, who have been married for almost 60 years, to the Pantomime "Aladdin", which was staged at the centre on Monday 2 December. Nick said: “I was thrilled to be receiving the tree; our former tree was only 3ft tall but this tree has really raised our spirits.

“We at the centre invited Joe and Mary to see Aladdin as a way to say thank you for their kindness and generosity. It was an entertaining and enjoyable afternoon.”

Joe had initially been in touch with Dame Julie Moore, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, to donate the tree to a good cause. Dame Julie arranged its delivery and found it a home for Christmas.  

Sister Nickie Walker, who helped to nurse Joe in 2011 said: “This isn’t just any tree, it represents the impact that the care and efforts provided at QEHB has on all patients who come through our doors. 

“I am glad that Joe is now back in good health and that he felt that the hospital deserved some extra cheer this year.”