A MIDWIFE from Sutton has been gifted with a free cruise following her 'extraordinary' work during the coronavirus crisis.

Gee Wyles, 35, of Kings College Hospital (Denmark Hill), has been busy supporting expectant parents during the pandemic.

After watching his wife return home after her 12-hour shifts, Gee's husband Adrian decided to put her forward for the chance to win a four-night getaway for frontline staff.

The initiative is called the 'Royal Caribbean 999 Cruise' which offers 'blue-light card holders' the chance to receive a well-deserved getaway.

The 'Anthem of the Seas' cruise took Gee and her family on a sailing roundtrip from Southampton on July 11.

Your Local Guardian: Gee, her husband and two daughters (Mei-An and Kai-Lin)Gee, her husband and two daughters (Mei-An and Kai-Lin)

Speaking to Sutton Guardian, Gee said: "After the last 18 months of working on the NHS frontline, this was an unexpected and very much appreciated surprise!

"So many people are working hard and making sacrifices for the well-being of the population of the UK - that every single one should receive some type of acknowledgement for the risks they have been taking day to day."

She added: "The pandemic has caused a great strain on all frontline workers, and even though the day-to-day workings have had to change due to restrictions and wearing PPE for whole shifts, my colleagues and myself have worked hard to maintain the care and wellbeing of mothers and babies (and their partners).

"It has been a long 18 months, but I feel proud to be able to say that I am just one of many that has kept the NHS going throughout.

"Royal Caribbean have made a tremendous difference to the lives of some emergency workers in the UK, whose efforts still continue in the heart of this pandemic.

"Like all those chosen for the free cruise, I am very grateful and humbled to be one of the recipients."

On the last night of the cruise - a representative of the Royal Caribbean Crew personally thanked all NHS staff passengers.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their work during the outbreak? Contact us at monica.charsley@newsquest.co.uk.