Piano playing patient hits the right notes with festive tunes
A stroke survivor has returned to play Christmas carols on a piano at the hospital that helped in his care and recovery.
Giles Platford, a former Secondary School Teacher from Chelmsford, suffered from a bilateral stroke 18 months ago. During his recovery he was really impressed by the care he received at Broomfield Hospital and wanted to give something back.
He said: “I owe a big thank you to Broomfield, particularly to the stroke ward and ophthalmology who really helped me. The least I can do is to come and play piano and Christmas carols to the people who cared for me, and of course the other patients who may need a pick-me-up as well.”
After his stroke affected his vision and movement, the piano became Giles' go-to for recovery, helping him get back muscle memory and regain confidence.
He is also particularly grateful to oncology and the chemo unit for their ongoing care and support given to his wife, Colleena, over the past two years. She has worked at Broomfield Hospital since 2005 and currently works from home providing support to the Ophthalmology Team.
Giles’ joyful tinkling on the ivories has raised money for the stroke ward, oncology, the chemo unit and ophthalmology by people putting money in his Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity collection tin by his piano as he plays.