A LITTLE girl from Widnes looked like a princess as she presented Sophie, the Countess of Wessex with a posy.
Grace Walker-Reid was chosen to greet the royal visitor as she officially opened the new £250 million Whiston Hospital, where Grace was born four years ago.
Mum-of-two Sophie, the Countess, aged 48, who is married to Prince Edward, won the hearts of staff, patients and volunteers as she spent far longer than scheduled visiting various wards and departments.
She chatted to Widnes patient Sheila Daintith, met consultants and found out how prosthetic limbs are fitted.
She cuddled 14-day-old Eve Carmichael in the special baby unit.
Ann Marr, chief executive, who lives in Widnes, said: “We were privileged that HRH The Countess of Wessex visited the trust to officially open the world class new Whiston Hospital. Staff and patients were thrilled to meet the Countess.
“It has been a very special day for our local community.”
The hospital treats more than half a million patients every year.
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