PENSIONERS who raise thousands of pounds each year for their community hospital are in urgent need of more and younger volunteers.

Since 1998, Abingdon Community Hospital League of Friends has raised about £150,000 to buy life-saving and therapeutic equipment.

But the group has fewer than 50 members, mostly of pensionable age, and committee leaders said the situation is “critical”.

Chairwoman June Penman said: “The league almost collapsed a few years ago due to age and health of the committee members.

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“Regrettably the situation is critical once again for the same reasons, age and health, and the committee has dwindled to an unacceptable level.

“We desperately need new blood, and if possible a few younger members; some of the few we have left are in their late 70s and early 80s.”

Over the years the group has raised funds to buy a van to transport patients, therapeutic vibrating mattresses, wheelchairs and chairs for the waiting room.

The league raises money for the Marcham Road hospital with events such as coffee mornings, including one at St Helen’s Church last Sunday morning.

Mrs Penman, 82, said: “I had thought I might have to postpone it, as we were very short of help, with only my deputy chairman and myself available to run it, and we are both in our eighties.

“The spirit is willing, but lifting heavy tables, and boxes of items for the stalls would have been that bit too much.”

Friends and neighbours offered to help so it could go ahead, she said.

She added: “Our committee is so few in number the task is daunting, especially as we feel we have no continuity.

“We need to be able to pass things on to others even though we would continue to help wherever needed, but new ideas, and new people, possibly some younger groups would ensure progress.”

Mrs Penman was a nurse at the hospital from 1950 until 1953 while it was a fever hospital with a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients.

It now has an emergency ward and an X-ray department.

Mrs Penman added: “Although two of the wards do have more older patients than young ones, it is nevertheless a community hospital for all.”

Abingdon Community Hospital support services manager Claire Wilnecker said: “The League of Friends provide amazing and vital support.

“The money they raise enables them to purchase much-needed medical equipment to enhance the stay of patients at our hospital.

“This includes a pharmacy blood fridge for the emergency multidiscliplinary unit and furniture for our newly renovated quiet rooms.

“The Friends’ hard work and continuing efforts are so greatly appreciated by staff and patients alike.”

  • To become a friend costs £5 a year. Find out more at achlof.weebly.com or email Mrs Penman on ferfiodun@tiscali.co.uk


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