Couple's golden wedding gift to NHS staff

Pam Young, now vice-chairman of the hospital’s League of Friends, and husband Mike had their golden anniversary cruise cancelled, so shared cakes with the hardworking Clifton staff instead.

A host of delicious fresh-baked delicacies arrived at the hospital on the anniversary itself last Thursday, when Pam and her retired journalist husband were originally scheduled to be wending their way to the Portuguese islands of Madeira and The Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.

The couple have planned for more cakes to arrive today (Thurs), when their dream cruise booked more than a year ago was due to land back at Liverpool.

Instead of soaking up the sun and enjoying a top-class cabin as a golden wedding treat, Pam and Mike marked the big date with a meal at their home in St Annes, delivered by daughter Rachel, with the necessary social distancing during the lockdown carefully adhered to.

“Clifton Hospital has always been very close to my heart, having been there right from the very start, when there wasn’t even any furniture in,” said Pam.

“The people there are lovely and everyone in the NHS is working so hard at the moment particularly, so I thought it only right to share our anniversary with them.”

Mike and Pam were married in Crewe on April 2, 1970 after meeting when Mike was one of her patients.

Mike said: “We thought the cruise was the ideal way to celebrate our golden wedding but it wasn’t to be.

“We heard some time before we were due to depart that it was off so we have celebrated at home and Pam was keen to share the occasion with the staff at Clifton as a ‘thank you’ for all the wonderful work they do.

“We had a memorable day anyway in the circumstances and plan to celebrate with family and friends at a later date.”

Courtney Bickerdike, clinical matron at Clifton, said: “This is such a kind gesture from one of our League of Friends colleagues.

“All the staff appreciated the cakes. Happy anniversary to Pam and Mike and we wish them well.”