BIG-hearted Khadijah Bhaijee proved to be just the tonic for the hardworking medical teams at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The 12-year-old from Ladybridge distributed around 50 wrapped presents to each ward as a huge thank you for the care and compassion they provide to the people of Bolton and beyond.

Khadijah has been a huge supporter of the hospital since she started undergoing treatment for a skin condition at the specialist dermatologist unit — and this is the latest in a long line of thank you gestures she has made.

She said: "I came up with the idea about a week ago to say thank you to all the staff, with one for each ward. I have also written cards,.

"All the family helped me wrap the presents!"

Khadijah added: "The hospital has treated me and my family and the staff are always cheerful and welcoming and so understanding.

"It was nice to see the smiles on their faces and to know they are appreciated for their hard work."

Khadijah saves her own money to support the hospital, with the family making donations too. She has helped buy plant at the Churchill Oncology Unit and the baby memorial garden and made cakes for the open of the revamped eye unit garden.

Andy Lee, charitable fundraiser at the hospital, said: "Khadijah's philosophy is if everybody did a little bit it would make a massive difference — and this is a massive gesture. She has done a lot for the hospital with her family and it make a difference."

Staff were looking forward to opening the presents of biscuits so they could enjoy taking a little bit of time out for themselves.

Deputy director of nursing Marie Forshaw said: "It is a lovely thing to happen. It shows staff they are making a positive impact. You are grateful, and it is quite emotional that people who have received care and compassion here want to show care and compassion to the staff."

She said that other patients had taken time out thank staff to show what positive impact they make to their lives.

Mum Yasmin said: "I like to say K — because my daughter's name start with a K — for kindness.

"It started with a conversation to make an area nicer and it just started from there."