CARING patient Andrew Naden decided not to celebrate his 60th birthday in the usual fashion but to help a good cause close to his heart instead.

And at his birthday bash at the Dalesman Club in Leyburn, he asked family and friends to make a donation instead of bringing him presents.

Andrew, from Bedale, made the gesture as he wanted to thank the staff who cared for him while being treated for bladder cancer.

And thanks to the generosity of family and friends, future patients on ward five at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the stoma service at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton will benefit.

Andrew was a welcome visitor at the Friarage hospital, along with wife Margaret, where he handed over £280 each to Lynn Mudd, the clinical sister from ward five, and Joan Tickle, the stoma care nurse.

Lynn said: "It was a difficult time for Andrew and it is lovely to see him again looking so fit and well.

"Joan and I really appreciate this generous donation and Andrew kindly giving up his birthday presents to help us.

"We would like to thank everyone who helped raise the money which will be using to help future patients at both hospitals and towards medical equipment."

Andrew said: "Though it is lovely to receive presents I wanted to give something back and say thank you to Lynn and Joan and all the wonderful staff who looked after me and helped me through a rough patch in my life.

"They were all fantastic and I am really grateful to them all."