STAFF from the Newcastle Breweries Teesside distribution depot made a special delivery to a local hospital when they handed over a cheque for more than £750 in tribute to a colleague.
Don Hall, 47, worked as a technical services engineer for Newcastle Breweries for 13 years, before becoming a drayman four years ago.
He was recently forced to retire after he was diagnosed as suffering from leukaemia. He has undergone chemotherapy and attends North Tees Hospital, Stockton, on a regular basis for medical checks.
Mr Hall decided that rather than benefit from the traditional whipround among his workmates at the Stockton depot, he would donate the cash to the chemotherapy unit at North Tees Hospital.
He said: "I felt the money would do more good going to help research into leukaemia than being presented to me."
Staff at the depot contributed more than £200 and the final figure was increased to £766 thanks to a £250 donation from the Newcastle Breweries Charity Fund and a £300 donation from Don's union, the Transport and General Workers Union.
Depot manager Mike Price said: "Everyone has been impressed by the dignified manner in which Don has handled his diagnosis, and we were very touched when - instead of accepting a traditional collection - Don said that he wanted the money to go to the hospital."
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