A GENEROUS elderly couple have made an investment in the healthcare of future generations after receiving a lifetime of hospital treatment.

Bert and Muriel Terry have signed a cheque for £1,000 in the hope of funding a state-of-the-art MRI scanner equipment for Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) recently revealed its ambitions to create a new MRI suite for patients, however around £2.5m will need to be fundraised to subsidise the facility.

Following the launch of CDDFT’s fundraising campaign, Mr Terry, 87, pledged his support to the appeal after first receiving care at Darlington Memorial Hospital as a youngster.

Mr Terry, who receives fortnightly blood transfusions at the site, said: “I was brought up on a farm in Wensleydale and one of my earliest memories is of an accident I had when I was about three or four.

“Being a curious little boy, I managed to slice the top off a finger by inserting it in a haymaker.

“I had to spend quite some time in Darlington Memorial Hospital and remember being very well looked after.

“There was a real chance I would lose my hand, but they managed to save it and most of my finger.”

The £2.5m fundraising target was set by the trust in the hope of providing the latest MRI technology in Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

Mrs Terry added: “In making this donation, we’re getting the satisfaction of giving something back to the hospital that has given my husband great care in both his early and later years.

“We hope the new scanner will help do the same for future generations.”

Within the last year, the number of MRI scans carried out by CCDFT have increased by 11 per cent, with each scan taking between 30 minutes and half an hour.

Dr Elizabeth Loney, clinical director for radiology, said: “We’re so grateful to Mr and Mrs Terry for their very generous donation which gives a real boost to our appeal.”

For more information on the CCDFT MRI appeal, visit justgiving.com/cddft or text SCAN02 £10 to 70070.

Alternatively, cheques made payable to County Durham and Darlington NHS FT Charity, can be sent to Cashiers, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX.