A WINCHESTER nurse has collaborated with a charity and designed a Christmas card to raise funds to support staff and patients.

Last month, Hampshire Hospitals Charity (HHC) asked Laura Ghosh, staff nurse at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, to use her artistic talent to design the front and back of this year’s hospitals charity Christmas card.

The festive-inspired spin on the NHS rainbow, with the addition of a new feathered friend, follows Laura’s previous artwork after she painted a rainbow wave on canvas as a gift for the trust.

Laura said: "When I was first asked to paint the front of the HHC Christmas card, I was absolutely flattered and jumped at the opportunity.

"The charity does a great job supporting NHS hospital staff and the patients they care for with the little extras to make someone’s day. I don’t think people can always know how big a difference these can make to everyone’s hospital experience.

"I’m over the moon with how the cards turned out, and the fact that all the money raised is going to be used to support my wonderful NHS colleagues and the patients we strive to deliver outstanding care for each and every day is amazing."

Such has been the popularity of Laura’s Christmas cards that only a handful of packs from the limited-edition run remain to be sold, and these are expected to be snapped up this week.

Steve Erskine, chairman of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a trustee of HHC, said: “We are thrilled that Laura has created this beautiful card for HHC. Her enormous talent has really enhanced the Christmas spirit of our NHS staff, and this year we can all enjoy a little bit of the magic through these lovely cards.”