Hospital driver gets send-off from Wolves royalty

Brian Davis (centre) is retiring as a driver for New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, having worked there for almost 22 years

A hospital driver who has worked for an NHS Trust for almost 22 years has received a video message from football royalty.

Brian Davis, one of the oldest healthcare workers at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, retired on Friday at the age of 77.

In celebration of his retirement, Mr Davis received a video message from Wolves vice-president and former club record goalscorer, John Richards.

Mr Davis, described by the NHS Trust as "Wolves mad", has been a Molineux steward since 1988.

In the video, Mr Richards said: "Just calling to wish you well and to thank you for all those years of support.

"I believe Mike Bailey is your favourite player. Great choice, great captain, probably the best captain I played under at Wolves. Lovely man."

Mr Davis is also known by many at the hospital as 'Pukka', after being photographed at a Wolves away game next to a sign advertising Pukka Pies.

John Richards became the Wolves vice-president in April and is the club’s second most prolific goal scorer

In his video to Mr Davis, John Richards said: "And I just want to say go and celebrate in style at the next football match at Wolves. I've arranged for some additional Pukka Pies to be delivered so go and enjoy yourself, make the most of it.

"Have a great retirement, Brian, and enjoy your party."

Mr Davis said: "It was fantastic - I wasn't expecting anything like that so it was a lovely surprise.

"John is a Wolves legend so I really appreciate it and I will personally thank him when I see him around at Molineux."

Brian Davis is known by many people at the hospital as Pukka, after this photo was taken at a Wolves away match

Mr Davis started at the hospital trust as a porter in 2002, working via an agency, before becoming a permanent member of staff in June 2003.

Initially he worked the corridors at New Cross Hospital before joining a team of three, transporting notes around the site in a van.

Brian performed this role until the pandemic, when he was switched to a less public-facing role to despatch patients’ letters to their homes as he was considered vulnerable.

He had been doing that until a fall at work last September which left him in hospital for seven weeks.

"Overall I have really enjoyed it because of the camaraderie with the patients and the staff,” he said.

"I’m sure I will miss everyone and they will no doubt miss calling me ‘Pukka’, which is what a lot of the porters call me!"