The appeal to bring new state of the art MRI scanners to Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland Hospitals continues apace with two recent donations by Bishop Auckland Civic Society and Barnard Castle Rotary, totalling over £2,300.
Dr Robert McManners, who was a GP in Bishop Auckland for 36 years before retirement, said, “Bishop Auckland Civic Society holds a town quiz each year and the proceeds are donated to a local charity. We agreed that our most recent quiz should support the MRI scanner appeal. The quiz is a very popular event with almost 200 people taking part. We also donated a legacy left by Mr Fredrick Hutchinson of Howden le Wear, bringing the total to £1,236.00.”
Members of Barnard Castle Rotary raised £1,098.22 by organising a French gypsy jazz evening with French food and wines served to the 85 guests attending. The President of Barnard Castle Rotary, Ross Law, said: “Rotary are always keen to support worthy causes such as this and I sincerely hope that the Appeal goes from strength to strength.”
Charity manager at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Pat Chambers, said, “We’re so grateful for these and other generous donations. Individuals, organisations and businesses are all stepping up to support our campaign. Modern MRI scanners can play an important part in helping consultants diagnose and determine treatment plans for what can be life threatening or life limiting conditions, including many types of cancer and heart disease.
“Thanks to the generosity of manufacturer, Philips, patients at Bishop Auckland Hospital are already benefiting from the new scanner, whilst fundraising continues during 2018. The scanner at Darlington Memorial Hospital will be installed later in the spring, once building work to accommodate it has been completed. We really need people to keep donating and fundraising throughout this year and welcome speaking to anyone who can help, we can be contacted on 01325 743781.”
Pictured: Dr Robert McManners, his wife, Stefa and Mr Glynn Wales, from Bishop Auckland Civic Society, Mr Colin Dunnigham and Mrs Hilary Dunnighan from Barnard Castle Rotary, Pat Chambers, charity manager at CDDFT and Dr Elizabeth Loney, Care Group Clinical Director, CDDFT
