Sandra Mayhew, who lost her son Stephen and daughter Sonia, wanted to thank staff for the “brilliant” care they gave her children before they passed away.

Sandra Mayhew, 64, lost her 38-year-old son Stephen just over three years ago and her 44-year-old daughter Sonia, who suffered respiratory problems, around two years later wanted to thank staff for the “brilliant” care they gave both of her children before they passed away.

Sandra’s family have since raised £665 for the hospital by holding “Stephen’s Night”, which included a raffle, live music and disco at the Rosary Club in Bramford Road.

Sandra then raised a further £145 in Sonia’s memory by hosting a garden party for relatives and friends, complete with sandwiches, cakes and games for the children.

Sandra, from Ipswich, said: “Everyone was just brilliant in critical care and I wanted to do something to say thank you.

“I was there day and night for nearly two weeks when Stephen was receiving treatment for bleeds to the brain, and could not have wished for better care.

“I was very apprehensive about going back into the unit a second time with Sonia, but everyone made me so welcome and were really supportive.

“It’s really nice to have been able to do something to say thank you and give something back. If I ever come into any money, the critical care unit would be the first place I would send it.

“I’ve told the staff to spend the money on any equipment they need which will help somebody else, just like it helped Sonia and Stephen when they were receiving care.”