IT is the one day of the year that no one wants to end up in hospital.

But that is what happened to one Hampshire grandmother whose life was saved after suffering a heart attack in the early hours of Christmas Day.

So to say thank you to her “Christmas Angels” Jenny Hayter has nominated one of her nurses from Southampton General Hospital for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes Award.

The 70-year-old was rushed to hospital after suffering pains in her chest and arm and was immediately undergoing lifesaving treatment to unblock her arteries.

With Christmas Day ruined, it was cardiac nurse David Dalton who made her hospital stay bearable with his impeccable bedside manner and willingness to be there when she needed him.

Her sudden heart attack came as a shock to all who knew her as she was well known for her love for walking and cycling and so it was difficult for her family to understand why it had happened.

But Nurse Dalton was also there to ease their fears, as well as helping get Mrs Hayter back on her feet.

Mrs Hayter said: “The heart team at the hospital were my Christmas angels. They saved my life and on Christmas Day of all days.

“Nurse Dalton particularly stood out as he gave a lot of time to me and helped me get my confidence back, reassuring me that it wasn’t just going to happen again.

“He also took the time to explain everything to my husband and daughters and help calm their fears when they were very upset.

“He gave up his family time at Christmas and I cannot thank him and the NHS enough. It was nice to be able to talk to someone who gave the time to listen to my fears along with my anxious daughters and husband.”

Daily Echo readers can nominate anyone employed by the trust which runs Southampton General Hospital, the Princess Anne Hospital and Countess Mountbatten House, as well as some services at the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Nurse Dalton said: “It is extremely kind and thoughtful of Jenny to nominate me for this award.

“Although working at Christmas does impact on us all, no one can change the feeling of saving a life and caring for people who are so grateful – it makes it all worthwhile.”

The deadline for nominations has now passed.