AN NHS trust has praised the efforts of a fundraiser who has raised more than £6,000 for one of its critical care units.

Garry Greenhow, who lives in Aspatria, set off in April with a target of raising £500 for the intensive care unit at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle (CIC).

Within days of starting, he soon realised that target would be insufficient.

"It was much more than I expected, I'm really pleased. I know the girls at the hospital were really pleased too."

Garry, 45, along with his mum pat, set off making bows for the community that could be displayed to show appreciation for the NHS, with the proceeds going to the CIC.

Roughly taking between five and 10 minutes to create each bow, the final number they made and sold was more than 2,100.

On Friday, Garry, and Vicky Hope, who helped to sell bows in Silloth, handed over a cheque for £6,520.73.

"They said thank you very much and that it kept them going thinking someone was doing something for them", explained Garry.

Garry was a patient in the intensive care unit at the Cumberland Infirmary eight years ago with kidney cancer, and wanted to give something back to the team who he says provided such excellent care.

Ribbons were bought from people in areas including Silloth and Thursby, as well as Aspatria and the surrounding areas.

Garry has a message for everyone who has donated and supported him.

"I want to thank everyone for their support," he said.

"I want to thank them for getting behind it. Vicky Hope did a lot in Silloth, so I'd like to thank her a lot.

"My mum has been my biggest help."

Garry is teaming up with Lindsey Thomas to make bows for the Poppy Appeal in October and November, with full details yet to be confirmed.

The North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust runs the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle.

Company secretary Daniel Scheffer said: “We are so grateful for Garry’s fantastic and innovative fundraising efforts.

"He has raised an incredible amount in such a short space of time and all of the staff on the unit are delighted.

"It’s really helped raise morale within the team and it’s people like Garry who keep us going through the hard times.

"We’ll now look at how we are going to best use the money across the unit to benefit our staff and patients.”