A GENEROUS batch of scrubs has been donated to KEMP Hospice as a gesture of thanks for the care given to the late father of a Kidderminster sportswear company's owner.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer, Frank Ruffinato was looked after by the Wyre Forest charity before passing away in 2002.

His son, Gino, who runs Kidderminster-based MG Sportswear, felt indebted to KEMP’s free specialist care and was keen to help the hospice when the coronavirus crisis hit the UK.

Kidderminster Shuttle: MG Sportswear has been making hospital scrubs during the coronavirus pandemicMG Sportswear has been making hospital scrubs during the coronavirus pandemic

Thanks to the financial support of local businesses and a donation from Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant, MG was able to make scrubs for healthcare workers with 75 sets going to KEMP.

“I feel very close to KEMP as they looked after my dad with wonderful treatment in his latter days,” Gino said.

“I gave them a call, asked them whether they needed any scrubs and donated them for nothing.

“They cost £20 each so that’s about £1,500 worth of scrubs donated to KEMP. It’s nice to be able to do something for local people.

“KEMP mean a lot to me. I can’t speak highly enough of what they did for my family.”

Gino thanked Plumbing World, John Davies at Hire-It, the Wagon and Horses pub in Bewdley, Clent Hills Rotary Club, Bewdley Rotary Club and Kidderminster Valentines choir as well as friends and family for helping to raise funds towards the making of the scrubs.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Gino Ruffinato delivers scrubs to staff at KEMP HospiceGino Ruffinato delivers scrubs to staff at KEMP Hospice

He also praised his 20 members of staff for pulling together to produce hundreds of sets.

“All my staff have worked for nothing to support people in need,” Gino added.

“We have also had a lot of help from outside with people offering to machine them which is fantastic.”

Karen Coles, care services manager at KEMP, said: “We are very grateful to local businesses for all of their support.

“And as we begin to open up again and meet patients face to face donations such as these scrubs and other PPE will ensure that we can do our work safely and protect our patients.”