Organisers of the Appeal to bring new state of the art MRI scanners to Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland Hospitals are hosting a traditional Burns Night celebration, including a live Ceilidh band, on Thursday 25 January 2018, at Headlam Hall Hotel and Spa near Darlington.

The evening will include pre-dinner drinks and canapes, a four course meal with the time-honoured tradition of ‘the piping in of the haggis’ followed with the customary address to the haggis.

Tickets are £37 and you can book or find out more by ringing 01325 743781 or email: pat.chambers1@nhs.net.

Charity manager at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Pat Chambers, says, “An MRI scanner is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment hospitals purchase but tremendous advances in technology over recent years mean they can be enormously helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart conditions, strokes and many other health issues. Scans can also give doctors information that previously required the patient to undergo surgery or another invasive procedure as part of the investigation of their symptoms. Crucially, MRI scanners don’t use radiation, unlike x-rays so offer a safer route for patients, particularly children.

“Many of us will need an MRI scan at some point, or have a close relative or friend who will benefit from one, and celebrating Burns Night is a fantastic chance to support the appeal whilst having fun!”

There are lots of ways you can donate to the appeal including via the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity ‘justgiving’ website at: https://www.justgiving.com/cddft or send a cheque to: Cashiers, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX. Please make cheques payable to: Co Durham & Darlington NHS FT Charity.