The Friends of the Friarage charity is calling on the community to rally behind its Eye Appeal, aiming to raise £200,000 for vitreo-retinal (VR) treatment. This initiative is in support of the Friarage’s upcoming £35 million Surgical Hub, currently under construction and set to open in 2025.
While VR treatment is presently available at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, the Friends of the Friarage charity aims to equip the Friarage with the necessary facilities. If successful in raising £200,000, the eye team at Friarage will be able to offer VR treatment locally, allowing patients from Hambleton and Richmondshire to receive treatment closer to home.
Over 25% of individuals awaiting treatment at James Cook Hospital hail from the aforementioned regions. The Friends of the Friarage, known for investing in new healthcare technologies and treatments, expresses enthusiasm for this fundraising opportunity, urging the public to contribute through donations, fundraising activities, or spreading awareness.
To kickstart the appeal, a special event is scheduled at the Northallerton Town Hall on February 21, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. The public is invited to attend and explore ways to get involved, featuring a presentation from the Friarage Eye Department explaining the VR treatment and its associated benefits.
The Friends of the Friarage, with a history of raising over £5 million in the past 65 years, emphasizes that donations directly benefit the hospital, supporting patients and staff. Recent contributions include £500,000 towards an MRI scanner, an on-site academic center, a Friarage-based dialysis unit, and state-of-the-art technology acquisitions for enhanced patient care.
