A charity working to bring eye surgery to the Friarage Hospital has received a £500 donation from Northallerton Nurses League.

Members of the League, who are regular supporters of the Friends of the Friarage, met at the Northallerton hospital recently to hand over the funds.

Nurses League president, Eva Shuttleworth explained why the group chose to make the contribution. “The Northallerton Nurses League is an association of Friarage Hospital registered nurses with approximately 260 members scattered throughout the world," she said. "We are pleased to support Friends of the Friarage with their Eye Appeal to bring vitreo-retinal surgery to the Friarage Hospital.

"This will enable residents of Hambleton and Richmondshire to have their eye conditions treated nearer to home.”

Pictures from left to right, front row, Carri Ramsbottom and Celia Curry from Friends of the Friarage, Dr Antony Walters, Friends co-chair, Nurses League president, Eva Shuttleworth and member, Beryl Larder. Back row, Dr James Dunbar, clinical lead at the Friarage, and League members, Margaret Place, Anita Lowther, and Claire Welford.

(Image: Friends of the Friarage)

The Friends’ Eye Appeal was launched in February and now stands at just over £78,000 of the £200,000 target. The appeal was launched with the aim to bring vitreo-retinal eye surgery services to the Friarage as part of the new Surgical Hub which is under construction.

While this type of treatment is available for patients to have at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, this can often mean patients face lengthy, uncomfortable and expensive distances to travel.

To contribute to the appeal, either through donations, holding or organising an event, or by joining as a volunteer, see www.friendsofthefriarage.org.uk for more information.

To view the exact amount raised and make a donation go to their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/EyeAppeal2024

Cheques can be made payable to Friends of the Friarage and posted to Friends of the Friarage, Room 47, Admin Building, Friarage Hospital, Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, DL7 1JG.