A MARATHON fund-raising effort in Bromyard had a happy ending when the hospital's League of Friends took delivery of a new minibus.

The vehicle was desperately needed as time, wear and tear had wrought havoc on the previous minibus and increasingly strict legislation dictated the need for certain components to be included for transporting people in wheelchairs.

The bus which is used to take patients to and from the hospital and on outings from the residential home, seats 12 with two permanent wheelchair positions. Considerable research was needed to find the right bus, with Dick Davies, who had been instrumental in finding its predecessor, Paul Spelman and Brenda Parry travelling far and wide to find the vehicle that met the League's requirements.

"We are so grateful to everybody who made contributions, donations and bequests to enable us to buy the bus," says League of Friends secretary, Sue Chatfield. "However, the purchase of the bus has severely depleted our funds and the need for fund-raising goes on. There are so many calls on the cash we have to supply things, such as special beds, that the hospital simply can't afford."

Volunteers are also always needed. Anyone with some time to spare can contact Dick Davies on 01885 482396.

For more information about how you can hep the League of Friends, call Sue Chatfield on 01885 490605.