Angela Edwards of Hallastone Road, Helsby has been honoured for 50 years of unbroken service with the NHS at a ceremony in Runcorn. Angela was joined by co-workers past and present at Halton Hospital as she received an award in celebration of her service.

Angela’s career began in 1961 at the former Crossley Hospital when it was a tuberculosis sanatorium and she is currently the medical education administrator and patient welfare officer at the Brooker Centre in Runcorn.

In 2003 Angela was made an MBE and in 2008 she was one of just nine outstanding NHS employees at an exclusive 10 Downing Street reception, organised to celebrate 60 years of the NHS where she received a personal thank you from Gordon Brown.

Last month Angela was thrilled to receive a hand written letter from Andrew Lansley, the Secretary of State for Health “I’ve had a wonderful week marking 50 years with the health service,” says Angela. “Getting such a personal note is the icing on the cake. I can’t believe Mr Lansley has taken time out of his busy schedule to write to me”. Congratulations, Angela.