Published on 21 March 2022
A supermarket worker who buys and bakes treats for staff at the William Harvey Hospital had the tables turned when teams surprised her at work to say thank you.
Sainsbury’s employee Linda Moore has been bringing regular care packages to the emergency department for two years, and often includes extra items for the team’s children as well.
Many of the children joined their parents on Saturday to present Linda, who is 76, with a special plaque and a top signed by the team to thank her for her kindness.
Emergency department consultant Syed Gilani told her: “We are all here to thank you for everything you have done for us.
“You have been with us through thick and thin, and have brought us warmth, comfort and joy, and that means so much to everyone in the department.”
The team arranged with managers at the Sainsbury’s Bybrook superstore to surprise Linda at her till and gave her three cheers in front of stunned shoppers.
Emergency doctor Will Dear said: “Linda’s packages give everyone a lift. Just knowing someone is thinking about us and takes the time to do this is incredible.
“If she had done it just the once that would have been fantastic but she keeps doing it and it is just so kind so we all wanted to show her how much it means to us.”
Store manager Natalie Davis said Linda was popular with staff and shoppers alike.
She said: “She is a wonderful lady, and she talks so passionately about what she does for the team. She genuinely cares and it’s lovely to be able to celebrate her in this way.”
Linda, who has worked at the store for 12 years, said she was overwhelmed by the team’s efforts.
She said: “It all started when Dr Gilani came through my till and we got talking, and I thought it would be nice to start doing something for the hospital.
“I wish I could do it more often. They are worth their weight in gold. They get the brunt of everything and don’t often get the recognition that the wards get so I just wanted to say thank you.”
