Having recently spent five weeks in Tauranga Hospital waiting to go to Waikato, I cannot thank you enough. At all levels of care, I can only praise each and every one of you for your professionalism and dedication.

The nurses – your caring support and help never wavered and your smiles always lightened the day.

The healthcare assistants – you were always there to help and support the nurses and to make their load a little lighter.

The orderlies – I thank you for tirelessly wheeling me up and down twice daily to the acute stroke unit when my husband was also admitted to hospital!

The stroke unit nurses – you are special people having to deal with special patients and your dedication was appreciated.

To the young English male nurse – I thank you for your caring, lathering my husband’s face and giving him a shave on several occasions. Although he couldn’t thank you himself, I’m sure you knew how grateful he was as he stroked his chin and gave a sigh. Sadly, he did not make it but you made his journey a little easier.

And finally, the cardio team – a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your support, keeping me in touch with progress and your regular visits.

A special thanks to my Indian cardiologist for your caring and understanding of what I was going through and encouraging me to hang in there. Your kind words will forever stay with me. I was truly blessed to have you as my cardiologist. Because of that, I finished my journey and look forward to a new future. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all.

Joan Allan, Katikati.