A WORCESTER woman whose husband relied on a ventilator to live has helped raise £4,500 to buy a new machine for Worcester Royal Infirmary.

Margaret Beckwith has handed the cash over to Dr Richard Lewis at the respiratory clinic to buy the portable ventilator, which can be used by patients at home.

The money was collected after the death of her husband Geoff, who suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy called myatonic dystrophy.

Geoff used the machine at night to aid his breathing for four years before his death in August.

"Just before Geoff died he said he did not want everyone to buy flowers for his funeral, as he wanted the money to go towards something useful," she said.

"We never thought we would manage to collect so much and so many people would be interested in donating."

The ventilator is specially designed to be used at home, and is constructed of lighter weight materials to make it more portable.

Margaret, of Bilford Court, is a member of the Christadelphian church in St George's Lane, and other members of the church from across the country, including those from Derby and Wales, also collected money for the appeal.

Family and friends also helped out, including her four-year-old granddaughter Lydia who made and sold Christmas cards.

When it arrives, it will be handed over by Margaret in a special ceremony.

Dr Richard Lewis, consultant of respiratory medicine at the Trust said the gift would be a valuable lifesaving resource.

"The money is spectacular, and to raise so much in such a short time is very impressive," he said.

"It just goes to show the high esteem in which Geoff was held by all who were involved with him."