I HAVE been a reader of the Bolton Evening News for many years and would appreciate it very much if you could print this letter of thanks.

I have just had to spend the last fortnight in The Royal Bolton Hospital, due to serious problems will my gall bladder. I was unable to eat or drink anything for the first four days of my stay.

As I am a Ukrainian who has been living in Bolton for 56 years, my sudden illness, unfortunately, meant that my stay in hospital coincided with my orthodox Christmas Day on January 7.

On that morning of this special day, I must say I felt a little sad and upset that I would be unable to eat or drink anything. However, if it were not for the expert kindness of the staff, nurses and doctors of Team One on Ward E3, my day would have gone unnoticed.

Although my medication was, and is, only just beginning to work, I am sure that the kindness of nurses Claire, Barbara, Laura, Elizabeth and Elaine (not to mention the nice card and present) played a major part in my quick rejuvenation process.

Thanks again to Team One whose treatment was absolutely first class.

Mr Michael Miskiw

St Matthew's Walk

Bolton