A KIND-hearted Leominster woman has launched an appeal to raise enough money to purchase a new piece of equipment for the radiotherapy unit at Hereford County Hospital.

Val Bowkett, 75, said she wanted to give something back to the team that helped her through her own radiotherapy treatment.

The department – which is actually managed by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – said it was in real need of an ultrasound bladder scanner.

She said: "I asked them, is there a piece of equipment I can raise funds for, for your unit? They said they needed an ultrasound bladder scanner.

"I just felt I would love to give something back or try to. I thought if this will make a difference to the patients as well then it's worth doing.

"You don't know if you are going to need it."

The scanner will cost £6,000 and Ms Bowkett, along with her fundraising committee, is holding a coffee morning next month.

The event takes place on Saturday May 7 at the Methodist Church on Green Lane from 10am.

There will be coffee and cake as well as a sales table, bric a brac, a number of stalls and tombola.

Cheques towards the appeal can be sent directly to Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, GL1 3NN.

People can also make a donation by calling 0300 422 6738 or going online to gloshospitals.nhs.uk/charity