My first child - a boy, Sam - was born at Epsom Hospital on Friday 1 May. I am writing because I want to praise the incredible staff who helped my wife through labour and brought our wonderful little boy safely into the world.

Like any birth, the experience was traumatic - but the midwives, doctors and all the other staff were simply amazing. We felt supported, encouraged and cared for - and staff did a great job of keeping us informed about what was happening and what they were doing.

There was always a skilled professional on hand to help us at all hours of day and night (with a friendly manner even at 3am). I’m sorry to say I can’t remember all of their names, but the midwives Nadia and Collette were involved with us a lot and were both brilliant.

I can’t adequately express how much the care we received exceeded my expectations, or how grateful we are to all at Epsom Hospital.

Alex (and Hannah… and Sam) Morrison Ashtead