An elderly man was given more than £100 by kind-hearted A&E staff after he was mugged of his pension and lottery winnings.

Ernest Summers, known as Peter, was walking along Bligh Way, Strood, towards Albatross Avenue, at around 11.45am on Monday, when he was approached by a man in the car park by Razorbill Close.

The man told him his jacket needing cleaning and then reportedly put his hand inside Mr Summers’ jacket and stole his wallet, which had around £300 inside.

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He had just collected his pension and £20 lottery winnings.

As the thief ran away, Mr Summers, 86, fell to the ground.

He suffered cuts and bruises to his hands and was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital by ambulance.

Nathan Hunt, A&E nurse practitioner, said he was told what had happened to Mr Summers by the ambulance crew and decided to start a collection for him.

The father of two said: “I felt quite bad about what had happened to him so I grabbed one of the vomit bowls and went round people asking for donations.” The collection raised £115.

Mr Hunt, who lives in Gillingham, said: “I don’t know what I expected, but I definitely didn’t expect to raise that much.

“All of the staff went above and beyond. They didn’t have to donate. When I gave the money to him he didn’t know what to say.”

VIDEO: Peter Summers has thanked hospital staff for the kind gesture

Mr Summers, who has a long-term heart and lung condition, said: “It was very good of them.

“I’d like thank Medway Hospital. They’ve always treated me well. They’re brilliant at what they do.

“I can’t praise the hospital enough for the good they’ve done.”

The retired HGV driver said: “I’d like to see the person caught. If people know he’s around it might not happen to anyone else.

“It just happened so quick. My hands were red with blood where they were bleeding.”

Mr Summers said he would not let the incident stop him from going out.

The suspect is described as white, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, of slim build and more than 6ft.

He was wearing a grey tracksuit top and trousers and it is reported that he spoke with a foreign accent.