A national Table Tennis tournament for NHS staff past and present to mark the health service’s 70th anniversary was held on Sunday 23rd September at Draycott Table Tennis centre in Derby.

Entries from all over the country and as far as Scotland competed for the men’s open, ladies’ open, men’s veteran and ladies’ veteran titles.

Jack Grant (Sheffield Children’s Hospital) came from 2-1 down to overcome Mark Walpole (North of England Commissioning Support Unit), winning in an epic fifth game to take the men’s open final.

It was the same pattern in the ladies’ open final as Kerry Harvey (Nottinghamshire NHS) came from 2-1 behind to defeat Penny May (Derbyshire Healthcare) in a thrilling final.

In the men’s veteran final, Tariq Azeem (University Hospitals of Derby and Burton) defeated Chris Boivin (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) in three straight, while the ladies’ veteran final saw Jane Vickers (Derbyshire Health Community Services) come out on top against Di St Ledger (Good Hope Hospital) in three tight, tactical games.

Tournament organiser Rob Ridge said: “It was great to see the tournament so well supported by staff past and present and showcase their passion for table tennis as well as patient care.

“Entries came from a wide range of professions from GPs, consultants and nurses to estates staff.  From the feedback received I am hoping to make this become an annual event going forward.

“Special thanks go to Draycott for the use of their excellent facilities and hospitality on the day.”