THE family of a man who died after a long battle with a debilitating lung disease have presented staff at Poole Hospital’s respiratory unit with a £2,720 donation.

John Davies’s family were grateful for the care and compassion shown by staff at the hospital where he was treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis.

The father of four daughters, who had grandchildren and great-grandchildren, died peacefully at home at the age of 71.

During his illness he frequently visited the hospital’s respiratory care unit where he and his family were supported by consultant Dr Mark Allenby and nurse specialists Nikki Lopez and Lynne Clayton.

“John spent much of his last summer in and out of Poole Hospital respiratory unit, who provided him with the very best care,” said his wife Julie.

“Both the nurses and John’s consultant, Dr Allenby, not only refused to give up to the end, but showed enormous humanity in their many discussions with John.

“John has met and been cared for by so many wonderful NHS staff. Without exception those who cared for John were kind, professional and caring. In John’s word’s ‘angels, everyone’.”

His daughter Julia Wylie said: “Dad fought the disease to the end, not giving an inch until he really had to, and in that fight my father was helped and supported by many wonderful doctors and nurses, particularly those at Poole Hospital’s respiratory unit.”

Their donation will go towards a new bi-level positive air pressure (BIPAP) machine, a non-invasive ventilation system that allows more oxygen to enter the lungs and supports patients who are having difficulty breathing.

Consultant respiratory physician Dr Allenby said: “We are always very grateful when relatives consider the needs of our service in difficult times of loss.

“The new BIPAP machines are wonderful and will support so many of our patients.

“We looked after John for many years, he will be greatly missed.”