A TREE has been planted during a special hospital memorial service to remember a former NHS employee.
June Flint, 52, worked at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital for 20 years in various posts, starting in catering, the Hospedia team and latterly as a health care assistant before she died in January 2013.
June was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2011 but remained positive throughout treatment.
Her family describe her as "brave, inspirational and scatty".
Husband Barry Flint, 60, said his wife was never one to look for the easy way out of a situation and worked hard throughout her life.
He added: "I have so many fond memories of her and all of them make me laugh in some way."
June died in Castle Hill Hospital, Hull, surrounded by family.
She was a keen fundraiser and had raised money for Grimsby hospital and the Anthony Nolan Trust.
To keep her memory alive, her former colleagues agreed a tree should be planted in the courtyard of the hospital's Marks and Spencer café, along with a plaque engraved with "this tree is dedicated to June Flint, good friend and colleague".
Mark Lawrence, a staff nurse who worked with June, said: "June had the sort of personality that raised your spirit when you saw her on duty. This tree is the least we could do to show how much she meant to everyone.
"A collection went around her friends at work which helped to pay for the tree and proceeds left over, which came to £300, have been donated to the Anthony Nolan Trust."
A memorial service led by hospital Reverend Anne McCormick was held around the tree as it was blessed in front of June's family and friends.
She is survived by Barry, daughter Kim, sons Shaun and James and two grandchildren.
In addition to the tree, Barry has split the remains of June's fundraising account between Castle Hill and Grimsby hospitals giving them each £1,500.
He said: "It felt only right to donate the funds to the places June knew well and spent her entire career and final days at.
"I want to thank all her old colleagues for getting this tree planted in June's name it will be a meaningful icon for many years."
