A ONE-woman fund-raising phenomenon has boosted a life-saving medical service by more than £5,000. PP:52cash.jpg: Doctor Barrie Davies with Vera Jennings.

Wyre Forest Flying Doctor Service has paid tribute to the work of Cookley pensioner Vera Jennings who has raised the staggering sum of £5,254 through coffee mornings.

Mrs Jennings said she was inspired to raise funds for the charity, which drives out to emergencies across the district, after witnessing an accident.

She said: "The flying doctors do a magnificent job and provide a very important service.

"I think sometimes they are overlooked but I have always had a good response to fund-raising events."

Flying doctor chairman Dr Barrie Davies, who presented Mrs Jennings with a certificate to mark her achievement, said hers was by far the biggest fund-raiser for the charity.

Public donations have topped more than £100,000 since it was set up 21 years ago.

He said: "We cannot thank Vera enough. It is an absolutely fabulous effort.

"I don't think anyone else has come near to raising that much. You could buy a heart monitor defibrillator with that amount of money.

"The service relies on financial support to buy medical equipment for doctors, paramedics and nursing staff - we could certainly do with a few more Veras!"