Thousands of patients are now benefiting from the kindness of Suffolk man Peter Gibbons – who left a £1.5 million legacy to The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust in appreciation of the care he received.
The hospital has now used the generous gift, the largest donation it has ever received, to refurbish three of the hospital’s wards making them bright, contemporary and friendly for people with dementia.
Yesterday Tricia and Gary Walton, his close friends and executors of his will, visited Woodbridge and Washbrooke wards, the first two to be transformed by his generosity.
“The wards are absolutely lovely. I can see how much better an environment it is for patients and for anyone who has dementia,” said Mrs Walton.
“Peter would have been pleased.”
Mr Gibbons died on May 22 last year at the age of 90 from heart failure after a long battle with coronary problems.
He left his entire fortune to charity with £1.5million going to the hospital and £1,500 going to St Mary’s Church in Willisham.
An innovation fund will also be set up in Mr Gibbons’ name to finance ideas that bring better care and a better experience for patients visiting the hospital.
The Sunrise Appeal, which helps make life better for children and poorly babies, will also benefit from the legacy.
Mandy Jordan, head of the Ipswich Hospital Charity, said: “Mr Gibbons’ kindness will make life in hospital for patients much brighter and more positive for many years to come. “It was great for us to be able to show Tricia and Gary all of the work we have done to date using this amazingly generous gift to the hospital.”
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