Major scanning appeal reaches milestone

The Trust that runs Weston General and the League of Friends, a charity that raises funds for projects around the hospital, are working together to raise £400,000 for new digital scanning equipment. 

The equipment will provide a range of benefits to patients and dramatically cut down on waiting times and travel. 

The campaign has been launched this year as part of the League of Friends’ 60^th anniversary celebrations. 

June Stephen, Chairman of the League of Friends, is thrilled with the response. She said: "It’s been an incredible achievement to raise £70,000 already since the appeal began in April.

“Donations have come from our group’s own fundraising events, local business and individual donations.

“At a time when money is tight and many people are living on a budget, the generosity of local people and organisations continues to amaze me. I cannot thank you enough for your support.

“This appeal is for the people of Weston and the surrounding areas. New digital scanning equipment will mean people can access treatment locally, rather than needing to travel to Bristol or Taunton. That’s hugely beneficial, especially for older people who might find travelling to be more difficult.”

Trust Chief Executive, James Rimmer, added: "We’re really proud to be working in partnership with the League of Friends on this appeal. To have already raised £70,000 in such a short amount of time is a fabulous achievement – thank you to all those who have donated. 

“Having new digital scanning equipment will really benefit the 70,000 patients we see each year. It will allow us to produce superior images, to diagnose conditions more quickly, cut waiting times and improve our overall service – leading to better health outcomes for our patients." 

The appeal is now targeting its next milestone and hopes to raise £100,000 by the end of the year.

June adds: “It’s an ambitious goal but we’re focussed on hitting the £100,000 mark as quickly as we can. 

“In order to achieve that, support from the local community is essential. If you’d like to support the appeal, be that through donations or by running your own fundraising event, please do get in touch with us. 

“With your help, we can hit our target and fund essential life-saving equipment which will change lives for the people of Weston and North Somerset.” 

Should you wish to support the appeal, please enclose a donation marked ‘scanner appeal’ and send to League of Friends at Weston General Hospital. You can also donate directly, via the League of Friends shop which is located inside the hospital, or by texting SCAN16 and the amount to 70070. 

To register interest in fundraising on behalf of the appeal, talk to a member of the fundraising team at Weston General Hospital, on 07590 30 36 36 or email info@scannerappeal.org.