FORMER colleagues of a popular healthcare support worker from Bangor have paid tribute to her, saying that she "epitomised everything that is good about the NHS".

70-year-old Rosina Pegler died on December 23 last year and friends say that her death has left a "huge void" at Ysbyty Gwynedd's Hergest Unit, where she had worked for over 24 years.

Despite being diagnosed with a terminal illness in her mid-sixties, Mrs Pegler continued working in the job she loved for four years after her diagnosis.

Those closest to her say her warmth and kindness helped thousands of local people in their road to recovery from ill health.

Following her death, donations were given in her memory to help support the recovery of Hergest Unit patients.

Last week, Rosina's husband, Gerry, presented her former colleague's at the unit with a cheque for £620.

“Rosina loved her work and was in return loved and respected by patients and colleagues alike." Mr Pegler explained. "Nothing was too much trouble for her and although she was not in the best of health, Rosina bravely fought on and organised parties and entertainment.”

Shyam Kishto, Manager of Cynan Ward at the Hergest Unit, paid tribute to her dedication and passion for helping others. “I have never worked with a person who gives as much attention and passion as she did." he said.

"She loved people, worked hard, and always tried to lift the spirits of those around her.

“She was easily on of the most compassionate people I have ever known – the kind of person who goes out of her way to help the less fortunate at the first opportunity.

"I believe these characteristics represent all that is good in our organisation.”

Mrs Pegler started her career in the health service at the former St David’s Hospital in Bangor before working on mental health wards at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

She had worked at the Hergest Unit since it opened in 1993 and received an NHS award in recognition of her determination to go ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty to support her patients.