HEREFORD shop assistant Jade Millward is bringing the same kind of inspiration to her employers’ efforts for Comic Relief as she did to help get her dad through major heart surgery.

The 24-year-old will be joining other staff members at TKMaxx in the Old Market to help raise money for the charity with a host of activities over the next six weeks leading up to Comic Relief on March 24.

Her father, Stephen Millward, 67, knows just how uplifting and encouraging his daughter can be.

Three years ago the retired Welsh Water tanker driver underwent a seven-hour operation to replace an aortic valve and receive a triple heart by-pass.

“It put the frighteners on me, but Jade and my wife, Marlene got me through it,” he said.

“Jade affects people so much, her character is infectious,” he said. “The staff in hospital were far more interested in her than me!” he joked.

Her personality played a big part not only in her father’s recovery, but also in a decision to use the family’s experience as a good news story for the NHS.

“It’s always been maligned, but I had a fabulous surgeon and team and Jade played a major part too,” said Stephen. “She got on so well with everybody that it was decided to do the story for the NHS.”

His daughter’s inspiration will now be helping TKMaxx to do its bit for Comic Relief.

Raffle prizes will include a Courtyard show, a £30 gift card for Miller and Carter and a signed football and family ticket from Hereford Football Club.