Surprise performance after illness ruins concert plans

THIS was the moment a nurse performed a heartwarming rendition of George Ezra songs for a pensioner who was too ill to make a gig to celebrate her 60th wedding anniversary.

Sheila Cuthbert, 81, from Billingham, was due to mark the occasion by watching the awardwinning artist in Newcastle with her husband.

But her plans were thwarted after she fell ill and was taken to hospital, only for a trainee nurse to step in and pick up his guitar – and Sheila’s spirits.

Trainee nursing associate Adam Morgan put on a show-stopping performance for Sheila, her husband and her son, plus all the other patients on the ward.

Playing Ezra’s top tracks, Adam was able to serenade Sheila from her bedside, bringing a tear to the eyes of all of those watching.

Kristel Brown, ward sister, said: “It was heartbreaking to see Sheila’s face when she realised she couldn’t make it to see her musical hero – but I think she found a whole new hero in Adam!

“There was a smile across every single face on the ward, and everyone was toe tapping along to the music. No-one wants to spend their wedding anniversary in hospital, but I think we’ve all made it a special one for Sheila and her family.”

Sheila Cuthbert said: “I didn’t expect to be here for my 60th wedding anniversary, but sometimes life takes you by surprise.

“I’m a huge fan of George’s so I was really sad when I realised I wouldn’t make it to his concert.

“Then along came Adam, with the voice of an angel, and my whole family got to enjoy the performance with me.

“It’s certainly an anniversary that I will never forget, thanks to Adam, Kristel and all the staff on Ward 41.”

A spokesperson for the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust said: “The staff on Ward 41 aim to deliver the highest level of care to their patients, and this is another fantastic example of going above and beyond to really make a difference for those in need.”