Families pay tribute healthcare hero Janet Berry who has retired after three decades on Leeds children's wards

These are just some of the hundreds of touching tributes to clinical support worker Janet Berry who retired last week after clocking up 31 years, most in the heart unit at Leeds General Infirmary.

As reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post last week, Janet, 60 a grandmother-of-four, was given an emotional send-off by colleagues during her final shift of the job she "adores".

She told the YEP at the time: "I will miss it all. I will miss my colleagues, I will miss the families and the children getting better.. It's so rewarding."

And a post on the Facebook page of the Children's Heart Surgery Fund - which supports LGI's heart unit - has attracted over 100 comments as families have flocked to honour the unit's longest-serving member of staff.

Sally Mills wrote: "Janet thank you for your reassurance and lovely smiles whilst my son Isaac was on ward 51 following his open heart surgery. All the best for your retirement."

Kelly Marie Milson said Janet was "lovely" when caring for her son Bentley four years ago, adding: "You never forget the ones who are kind in your lowest hours."

Lauren Drury described her as "an amazing lady with a huge heart. The place won't be the same without you".

Janet Hopton said she was a "wonderful, supportive and kind person" and Nina Bradley posted that Janet had "made such a difference in a stressful time".

Julie Dixon described how she was always there with "tea and toast" when she was up feeding her daughter on the ward, 12 years ago, and "always had time for a quick chat to keep me sane".

Janet herself said she had been "overwhelmed" with the messages posted by families and wrote: "I'm very fortunate that I have absolutely loved my job because of all you beautiful families.

"You have had to deal with so much including lots of worry and stress and if I have made your journey on the ward a little easier, I am happy, but the credit goes to you and your families."

YEP's Have a Heart campaign

At the beginning of February, the YEP launched the Have a Heart campaign - our pledge to help the Children's Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) in Leeds reach its £1m target for donations in 2020.

We will be running articles throughout the year to shine a light on the work the fund does to keep the congenital heart unit at Leeds General Infirmary beating.

Each year, the life-saving unit treats thousands of the region's poorliest children and adults.

To donate:

Visit chsf.org.uk/donate to give a one-off donation or to set up a regular, direct debit donation.

Or pay cheques to: Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at 3 Oxford Place, Leeds, LS1 3AX