WITH her cups of tea and silly jokes, a Hampshire housekeeper has won the hearts of many patients fighting to get fit.

Annie Rex has been nominated for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes award thanks to her determination to get patients smiling on the wards.

The 59-year-old was nominated by Colin and Julie Sheppard after 66-year-old Colin spent seven weeks at Southampton General Hospital after collapsing suddenly at work, fracturing his skull and suffering from heart problems.

Julie, 65, from Beaulieu, said: “As soon as my husband and I saw the award we knew we had to nominate Annie because she really made a difference to my husband’s stay in hospital.

“The nursing staff were great but Annie got the day off to a cheery start with a new silly joke and always helping Colin and the other patients with their game to guess the ages of the nurses.

“We never knew what colour her hair would be and she made a great cup of tea. When you are in hospital for that long it is the little things that make a huge difference.

“It was a scary time but she always made sure they started the day with a smile.”

Annie, from Weston, only started working on the wards as a volunteer, but after seven months bosses asked her if she wanted the job and 11 years later she is still helping patients on ward E3.

Annie said: “I was really chuffed when I found out I had been nominated. It is great to know that my work here is appreciated by the patients.

“I am lucky because I love every minute of this job, not many people can say that.”

Annie is among a numer of NHS staff nominated for the award, which will presented at a ceremony on February 3 at Novotel Hotel in Southampton.