Money for the MRI Scanner Appeal is starting to come in with promises from organisations and businesses in Newton Aycliffe to fundraise for this vital life saving equipment. It started last week with an anonymous letter addressed to Syd Howarth, Newton Press, Scanner Appeal, with £100 in cash. Then Frank Daniel aged 87 from Clarence Green rang offering another £300. Originally from Evenwood he has lived in Newton Aycliffe for 47 years. Frank said he wanted to give something back to the Hospital which through excellent treatment has given him a long life.
He’s led a very active life starting as a farmer, shop owner, running a travelling shop, working for UMM at Aycliffe and finally as an HGV driver, before retiring due to ill health in 1989. Frank’s wife Elsie, a Pharmacist, died in 2001 and in 2008 he suffered a heart attack and this is the time the NHS saved his life. Frank a former Mason is very keen to support the provision of new scanners, knowing they save lives. Many others have contacted Syd promising to raise cash from charity events they are organising. It is also hoped those looking for a good cause to support with Marathon sponsorship etc. will consider this appeal, saving our local NHS trust over a £million pounds a year – money which can be put to very good use.
