FORMER Widnes patients at Whiston Hospital paid tribute to the medics who saved their lives by supporting them at a morale-boosting cricket match.

Scores of patients who battled through life-threatening injuries and illnesses gave something back to the doctors and nurses at the hospital by flocking to Widnes Recreation Club in Liverpool Road last week as Whiston Intensive Care Unit nurses took on the Whiston Hospital doctors at cricket.

Tommy Noon, of the Intensive Care Unit, said he could not believe the amount of support the event got from past patients.

He said: 'All the patients who we treated came to support us. They were all either people who were in the unit themselves and survived, friends, family or just well wish-ers. We couldn't believe the response.

'It has really lifted everybody and we were really pleased to see patients who have survived at the ground cheering us on.

'Also a special thank you to Harry and Sheila Potter of Widnes Recreation Club for their donation of the venue, cricket equipment and refreshments.'

Dr Tush Mamhambrey, of Widnes, claimed the winning trophy after Dr Patrick Nee spearheaded the attack after knocking 53 to pinch the game by three runs.

Awards also went to Craig Noon and Matthew Valentine for the best young players on the day.