Retired postman given birthday party to remember

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http://www.times-series.co.uk/resources/images/4160956.jpg?display=1&htype=0&type=mc3 A retired postman who was admitted to hospital before his birthday was treated to a surprise party on the ward.

Terrence Duggan, who lives in Colindale, was admitted to the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead last week with heart problems – just a few days shy of his 80th birthday.

But determined not to let his big day go unnoticed, nurses organised a surprise party, decorating the ward and supplying a cake.

Mr Duggan was brought to tears by the kindness of staff – some who came in on their day off to celebrate with him.

He said: “I only expected one or two to come in and wish me happy birthday. But there were decorations saying ‘happy birthday’ and ‘birthday boy.’ “Four of them weren’t even on duty; they came in at lunch time especially to see me. It made me cry a little bit. It was wonderful, a real surprise.”

Teresa Carpe, staff nurse, said: “He told us it was his birthday and he was going to spend it in hospital, so we wanted to do something to cheer him up.”