FRESH heartache has hit a grieving family after Ipswich Hospital admitted accidentally throwing away a pensioner's personal belongings following his sudden death.

FRESH heartache has hit a grieving family after Ipswich Hospital admitted accidentally throwing away a pensioner's personal belongings following his sudden death.

Daughter Sally Pugh has received an apology from the hospital after staff mistakenly disposed of her father's wallet – which she said contained at least £100 – as well as his clothes and other items after he died.

Nelson Sheppard, from Felixstowe, was admitted to hospital on December 11 after suffering from breathing difficulties. Paramedics tried to revive the 74-year-old but he later died.

Ms Pugh, 47, of Exeter Road, Felixstowe, signed a form to confirm the family had received their father's ring, watch and glasses from hospital workers after his death.

But when she telephoned the hospital the next day to ask when she could pick up the remaining items - including a wallet - she was told staff could not find them.

The hospital has now admitted the belongings have been thrown away by mistake, and have pledged to ensure a similar error will not happen again.