There was a huge turnout for Ward 8's Paula McDonagh's fond farewell and off into retirement.

She trained in 1981 as an enrolled nurse and worked at St Luke's then converted to staff nurse and worked at HRI first on ward 6 and when it became a short stay unit and now on Ward 8 caring for our older adult patients.

She said: " I am quite emotional. It seems surreal to be honest. I feel sad and excited but the time is right. I have had lots of fantastic experiences and lots of laughs. It has been a privilege to work for this organisation, I feel very strongly about that."

She said she felt supported throughout. " A lot of people have supported me here and I am very grateful for that."

Among her farewell gifts at a surprise do was a tattoo voucher and she plans to have one behind her ear.  Further down the line she is moving to Scotland with her husband to set up a small-holding and B&B on the West Coast.

Part of her future will be to continue with her counselling for people with addictions as well as a new life in Scotland.

"I am looking forward to our new life in the Highlands and let people enjoy their time  doing their own thing when they stay with us. My husband does a good fryup."

Her gifts also include House of Fraser vouchers, flowers, soaps and fizz.