A Hornchurch dad is giving back to the "outstanding" hospital team who looked after his son during open heart surgery by donating money from his own company.

Neal Thorne's youngest child Joshua had to undergo life-changing open heart surgery in January after he was diagnosed with atrial septal defect (ASD), which meant he had a hole in his heart.

Joshua was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), spending four days there - and has since made a full recovery.

Neal - co-founder of loft insulation company Amazing Lofts - said that despite it being a "concerning time", their experience was "the best we could've hoped for".

READ MORE: Grandad's King George and Queen’s Hospitals 127-day cancer walk

He said: "The whole team at the hospital were outstanding.

"It was a concerning time for everyone, but the surgeons, doctors and nurses were complete professionals.

He added: "Our entire experience with GOSH was the best we could’ve hoped for under the circumstances, which is why we’ve committed to this fundraiser and giving back."

Neal, alongside his friends and co-founders Kevin Baker and Richard Blane, have pledged to donate £1 from each installation completed to GOSH.

The father-of-two said he is "very grateful" to his colleagues who were "incredibly supportive" during Joshua's treatment.

It was only during a routine check-up for a chest infection that his son's heart murmur was spotted, and it was then that the hospital found a hole in his heart.

This was where GOSH stepped in, funding a hotel stay so the family could be with Joshua during his treatment and covering their travel fees.

READ MORE: Back to school help for hospital staff in Romford and Ilford

The Hornchurch dad now hopes to raise awareness of the charity, as well as "thousands of pounds annually" through the Amazing Lofts pledge.

Neal said: "It’s a cause close to my heart which has touched the lives of those I spend most of my time with.

"GOSH Charity is our charity of choice now, and we want to do everything in our control to bring attention to the hospital’s outstanding work with the support of our customers."

Liz Ives, senior manager in GOSH Charity’s community fundraising team, said: "We are so grateful to Neal and all his colleagues at Amazing Lofts for raising vital funds for GOSH Charity.

"All the money raised will make a significant difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

"We wish the team the best of luck with their fundraising for the year ahead."