A HOSPITAL charity has helped the Victoria Infirmary take one step closer to getting new children's waiting area equipment in one of its final acts before closing after 50 years.

In its milestone anniversary year, the League of Friends of Leighton Hospital, which has raised more than £2 million during its lifespan, is calling it a day.

The charity was founded in 1973 by Peter and Miriam Andrews with a group of volunteers including Doris and Alf Jennings.

Over the years, the League held several fundraising events, such as cheese and wine evenings, coffee mornings, jumble sales and car boot sales. The charity also ran a sales stall in the hospital’s outpatients department until 2012.

And before heading off to enjoy a well-earned retirement, members of the League donated £160,000 to fund a vibroscope (a type of ultrasound to measure liver inflammation), research grants and help with the VIN's children's waiting area project.

A League spokesperson said: "It is very sad the charity is closing in its 50th anniversary year.

"However so much has been achieved for the benefit of patients and staff during this time, the League members would like to thank the hospital staff and the local community for their support over the past 50 years."

Northwich Guardian: Chairman Dennis Dunn (right) and chief executive Ian Moston receive the final donation from League of Friends committee membersChairman Dennis Dunn (right) and chief executive Ian Moston receive the final donation from League of Friends committee members (Image: MCHFT)
Receiving their donation, the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s chairman Dennis Dunn said: "I am very sorry to see the League of Friends close their charity after 50 years’ of such dedicated commitment and service to the patients and staff at both Leighton and Victoria Infirmary, Northwich, raising over £2m in the process.

"Their fundraising and hospitality has touched many thousands of lives over the years, and we wish them all a safe and peaceful retirement."

The charity has funded a wide range of equipment and enhancements to patient and visitor experience at the hospital sites.

In the early years, League members also put on an annual Christmas show for patients and staff and a garden party was held each summer on the large, grassed area at the rear of the wards at Leighton.

Each ward was invited to have a stall for their own fundraising, with dancing displays and dog handling demonstrations also part of the entertainment.  

After many years serving refreshments from a trolley pushed around the hospital, a tea bar was built in the main entrance and was instantly popular, serving visitors and staff during evenings and weekends for more than 30 years.

A small shop followed, located in the main entrance which was managed by League member Pam Parton, assisted by her husband Alan, and over time the shop expanded considerably and was a huge success before it sadly had to close during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The late Peter Andrews retired as chairman in 2012 and was succeeded by Janet Farrell. Maureen Jones is currently the League’s longest serving member and has completed more than 40 years’ service.