A fundraising campaign aimed at bringing advanced eye surgery to Friarage Hospital has gained momentum, with the community rallying behind the cause.
The initiative, led by the Friends of the Friarage charity, seeks to raise £200,000 to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for vireo-retinal (VR) surgery at the Northallerton hospital’s new surgical hub.
Recent efforts, including collections, fundraising events, and generous donations, have propelled the appeal beyond the £25,000 milestone, with contributions now nearing £30,000.
Various community activities have contributed to the growing fund. Broomfield School in Northallerton organized an Easter bake sale and raffle, raising £548, while Carlton Stores in Carlton Miniott hosted a traditional Easter cake raffle, collecting £202.
Northallerton Soroptomists added £610 from their funds during a recent farewell lunch, and residents of Arden Court in Northallerton organized a coffee morning, generating £150.
Additionally, Crash Bang Wallop theatre company donated £1,108.98, raised through a post-show collection following the production of Les Miserables at The Forum, in memory of choreographer Terry Richardson.
Expressing gratitude, a spokesperson for the Friends of the Friarage extended thanks to all donors and volunteers for their contributions.
Currently, residents of Hambleton and Richmondshire must travel to James Cook University in Middlesbrough for eye surgery. Both the Friends of the Friarage and hospital authorities believe that reducing travel time will significantly benefit patients’ well-being.
The charity is urging more individuals and organizations to lend their support to the appeal.
“We are overwhelmed by the swift response from local businesses and individuals in supporting our appeal,” said the spokesperson. “In just over two months since the Eye Appeal was launched, we have witnessed an incredible outpouring of generosity, for which we are truly grateful.”
The next fundraising event planned is an awareness day in Trinity Square, Richmond, scheduled for Saturday, May 11. Members of the Friends of the Friarage, alongside representatives from the Macular Society, will be available to discuss their efforts to assist residents of Hambleton and Richmondshire with visual impairment and their future plans.
The event will run from 9 am to 1 pm.
