Boxing icon Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew paid a surprise visit to Aintree University Hospital to thank staff for the 'amazing' care they provided to his dad.

Tony Bellew Snr, 59, who lives in Wavertree, was admitted to Aintree last month after suffering from cellulitis – a type of skin infection - which led to a blood clot in his knee.

Mr Bellew’s problem was triggered after he knelt down on some uneven pavement after a walk round his local park.

Former Commonwealth champ. Bellew, who now lives in Aughton, told QLocal: “I cannot thank the team on Ward 1 enough for taking care of my dad!

"It was the least I could do to visit and thank them directly for the great care they provided to pops and for the support they gave our family. The staff at Aintree are the salt of the earth and I will always be grateful.”

Mr Bellew was cared for by staff on Ward 1 for 11 nights, and was full of praise for the nurses and doctors.

He said: “The staff were so attentive to my needs. It was a lovely feeling to know that there was always someone in the ward corridor who would bend over backwards to make sure you were comfortable. I am forever in their debt.”

Several scans were carried out by the hospital’s Radiology team to monitor Mr Bellew’s skin infection and antibiotics were prescribed which helped him get back on his feet.

Added Ward Manager Liz Sharp: “Mr Bellew was a pleasure to have on the ward. It is great to see him fighting fit. I would also like to thank Tony for his visit. It was lovely for him to put time aside in his busy schedule to visit Ward 1 and it put a big smile not just on our faces, but on the faces of our patients.”