Warm tributes paid to much-loved Hartlepool hospital security worker Cliffy Campbell

Clive Campbell, affectionately known as Cliffy, who worked as a security officer at the University Hospital of Hartlepool for 16 years, passed away aged 65 on May 31 after a short battle against cancer.

Hospital staff showed just how popular he was when they staged a clap outside the Holdforth Road site in tribute on Thursday evening attended by colleagues, friends and even a band.

His daughter Sarah Robinson said: “Dad was a character and a bit of a joker. He had a sharp wit and sense of humour but was also very caring.

“He just got on with everybody. Even patients have commented they started to build up relationships with his when they attended appointments.”

Dozens of friends and Clive's family attended the outdoor tribute which was organised by colleague Sue Leonard.

She said Clive was ‘our Cliffy’ and was part of the hospital family.

Many of the same friends turned out as his funeral cortege passed through the hospital grounds prior to the service on Monday afternoon.

Sarah said the tributes were “really amazing”.

Cliffy, who previously worked at Decoflex factory in Hartlepool, lived just a stone’s throw from the hospital off Easington Road.

Away from work he loved spending time with his family and going on holiday together.

He had three children; Sarah, 43, Donna Draper, 42, and Graham, 29.

He was grandfather to Matthew, Nicole, Nathan, Taylor and Sophie, and was married to Jackie, who died six years ago.

Cliffy recovered from cancer in 2008, but sadly the disease returned just weeks before his passing.

Julie Gillon, Chief Executive of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, also paid tribute saying: “I was saddened to hear news of the passing of Hartlepool colleague Clive Campbell – ‘Cliffy’.

“I have spoken with many colleagues who have such wonderful stories, and kind words to say about him, he was very much a part of our University Hospital of Hartlepool family.

“To both them and his family I send my deepest sympathies.”

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