Lottery-winning nurse returns to decorate hospital

A lottery-winning former nurse has returned to her old hospital for a volunteering day.

Jon and Lucy Waring visited Torbay Hospital, near Torquay in Devon, to help create lasting artwork to comfort patients on its dementia unit. The couple also donated a piano to the ward, where volunteers often play music for the staff and dementia patients.

Lucy previously spent spent 27 years as a nurse, with the final years of her career on Cheetham Hill, the unit she has returned to.

The couple from Paignton won £3.9m on Lotto on 31 May 2025, with seven other lottery winners from the South West joining them for the day's work.

Lucy said: "The dementia unit will always hold such a special place in my heart.

"These patients and the incredible staff who care for them deserve everything.

"We are so proud to be part of this."

Stephen Heath, the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust's Care Group Director of Nursing said: "We're delighted we were chosen by the winners to give back to.

"The artwork will enhance the ward and create a warm and welcoming space for our patients and our colleagues to come and eat, play games or listen to music to support their recovery."

Jon added: "Returning to Torbay Hospital means the world to both of us.

"Lucy gave so much of herself to this hospital and to these patients over the years.

"Being able to come back and leave something permanent - artwork that will bring comfort and familiarity to people living with dementia is just wonderful.

"We hope it brings many smiles."

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