A MEMORIAL bench has been placed outside a hospital near Oswestry to remember a well-loved member of staff.

Linda Harris worked as housekeeper, waiting list clerk and switchboard operator for more than 30 years at Gobowen’s orthopaedic hospital.

After 37 years of service at the hospital, Linda died in December 2017.

The switchboard, housekeeping and wider estates and facilities team decided to celebrate Linda’s life and her service to the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital (RJAH) by having a bench installed in her memory.

After a prize draw raised more than £820 for the bench, it was placed at the back of the hospital’s switchboard in her memory.

Ann Wain, domestic manager, said: “Linda started at RJAH in 1980 and even though the hospital changed a lot in that time, one thing that always remained constant was Linda.

“Many staff across the Trust will remember her for her positive nature and devilishly good humour.”

Linda’s mum, Marge Harris, and her sister, Sheila Harris, came to see the bench to pay tribute.

Marge said: “Linda would be so touched by how all of her work friends have come together and remembered her in such a lovely way.

“We are so overwhelmed with much her friends and colleagues at RJAH thought so much about her.”

Sheila added: “I want to thank all of Linda’s work colleagues for their kind donations that have contributed towards the beautiful bench.

“It has been so touching to know how much she meant to everyone at the hospital.”

Many of Linda’s colleagues also visited the bench to remember her.

Martine Williams, facilities manager, said: “We were absolutely devastated to hear the news that Linda had passed away – she was such a well-loved member of staff who everyone knew and valued.

“It only seemed right to remember her somehow and the memorial bench really is a beautiful way to do this.

“The Switchboard team have said to me that they can’t wait to eat their lunch on the bench during the summer months and remember Linda.”