AN artist has donated a piece of his work to Hereford County Hospital to thank staff for the excellent care received during his cancer treatment.

The wooden carved sculpture, named ‘Zenith’, which is 12 feet high, is located at the Union Walk entrance to Hereford County Hospital, on the grounds outside the old Chapel.

Paul Caton, 67, of Lingen, has experienced first-hand the excellent care and treatment provided at Hereford County Hospital and the Macmillan Renton Unit.

Throughout this personally challenging time, he has been overwhelmed by the care and kindness he has received from NHS staff at Cheltenham, Worcester, Kidderminster and mainly at Hereford where he is still receiving treatment.

Mr Caton said: “My journey has been a very positive experience and the empathy and care shown by the NHS staff has been moving.

"My local community of Lingen has been very supportive and even relative strangers have expressed friendship and support in many ways which has helped in my recovery.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is life changing, but we have an amazing health service, which is so advanced, and there is so much research taking place, it has really inspired me.”

“Donating the sculpture is my way of thanking everyone. It is sculpted in Oak from the Newport House Estate near Almeley, which ensures its Hereford pedigree! It was carved from one huge log, entitled 'Zenith', and is over 12 feet high”.

Katie Farmer, Wye Valley NHS Trust Fundraiser, said: “As the NHS celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, we are delighted to also join Paul to celebrate his 50th year as a sculptor. We would also like to thank our PFI Partners Sodexo who managed the installation of the artwork.”