A STAGGERING £2 million has been raised by the Alexandra Hospital's League of Friends over the past 15 years,writes Becky Procter.

Vital equipment, including a scanner, a state-of-the-art playground and chairs for the A&E department have been bought after successful fund-raising appeals by the league.

The milestone was reached this month along with the revelation the annual funds raised by the league have gone from £24,000 back in 1986 to more than £137,000 so far this year.

The league has more than 300 volunteers who help with fund-raising events, run the hospital coffee shop and the Daisy Wheel flower shop.

The latest appeal is for a £20,000 harmonious scalpel and about £6,000 is being sought for a heart-monitoring piece of equipment called a Lifepak.

The league is asking for people to send in stamps from Christmas cards and is also looking for more volunteers.

Anyone willing to help can call Angela Smith at the hospital's league office on 503030.