The Friends of Friary Community Hospital enjoyed a social evening of wine and savouries on Friday at the Richmond Town Hall.
The event was supported by the Mayor Stuart Parsons and Baroness Harris of Richmond, Angela Harris, along with many existing Friends of Friary Community Hospital.
The aim of the evening, to raise the profile of the trust, was well supported and new friends were added to the membership list.
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Subject to final confirmation in excess of £334 was raised on the evening.
Margaret Clayson, chairp of the trust, took the opportunity to update those gathered about the hospital and future plans of the friends stressing the continued need for the local community to support the brilliant work that the staff provide to patients, their carers and families.
This local resource provides the people of Richmond and surrounding area with a care service that meets their personal needs allowing family and friends to support and visit easily without having to travel further afield to other hospitals in the area when access to transport and distance can present a problem for many.
The work as a friend, trustee, chairman and latterly treasurer, over some 54 years by Roy Cross, supported by his wife Pam, was also acknowledged.
His contribution has been recorded by placing a sundial outside the Friary building together with a plaque.
The last year has seen many changes with the friends and it has been necessary to make changes in personnel and organisation. Supporters have sadly diminished in numbers.
Projects for the year ahead are now being discussed and there is a role for you and everyone wishing to support and join the Friends.
Whether that be in helping to organise an event , providing help and support at a fundraising event or organising something yourself. Most of our fundraising comes from donations given or raised by local people.
The Friends continue to fundraise and recently donated £170,000 to fund new, state-of-the-art X-ray equipment at the community hospital, which provides instant digital results, and will ensure thousands of patients per year can continue to benefit from this crucial diagnostic service closer to their homes.
If you feel you can support the Friends and would like to become a member of the Trust, there is no fee or charge to join. Your enquiries are most welcome please contact Katrina Templeton (acting secretary) 01748449300 or email katrina.templeton@gmx.co.uk.
