Major scanning appeal reaches £100k milestone

A generous donation of £25k from the League of Friends shop, located inside the hospital, has put the appeal on track to reach a target of £400,000 by 2018. 

The League of Friends are a charity that raises funds for projects around the hospital. They are working on the scanner campaign with the Trust that runs Weston General Hospital.

They plan to raise money for new scanning equipment which will enable the hospital to provide a range of benefits to patients, including the ability to diagnose conditions more quickly, cut waiting times and improve overall service.

The appeal launched earlier this year in part to celebrate the League of Friends’ 60^th anniversary celebrations.

June Stephen, Chairman of the League of Friends, said: "It’s an amazing achievement to raise £100,000 in just seven months since the appeal began in April.

“Donations have come from local businesses, individuals and our own Group. It’s been incredible to see the backing we’ve had for this important appeal. 

“The generosity of local people and organisations in Weston and North Somerset continues to amaze me. I cannot thank you enough for your support.”

Trust Chairman, Grahame Paine, said: “To raise £100,000 in such a short amount of time is a fabulous achievement – thank you to all those who donated, and for the League of Friends shop for their generosity with this recent donation.

“The appeal is for the people of Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding areas. New scanning equipment will mean people can continue to 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.”

The appeal is now targeting its next milestone and hopes to raise £250,000 by the end of next year.

June adds: “We’re pleased with the progress of the appeal so far – but we’re still only a quarter of the way there. Our next target is to raise £250,000 by the end of 2017.

“It’s an ambitious goal but we know we can achieve it with the help of the community. I urge local organisations and individuals to support the appeal in any way you can, be that through donations or by running your own fundraising event.

“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.