A HOSPITAL patient who wanted to give something back for the care he received has done just that – with a £1,000 donation for the orthopaedic department.

Musician David Hewison-Sandyford, from Bedale, had two hip replacements at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and was keen to show his appreciation.

So local musical duo Freeway 1, of which he is half, made a CD to sell in the area and also played gigs to raise funds at the same time.

Now David, who plays the harmonica, is continuing with his fundraising and hoping to raise a similar amount for the Friarage MRI scanner appeal - and recently played at the Friends of the Friarage’s fundraising dinner dance.

The chairman of the Friends, Dr Upendra Somasundram, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to David for this generous donation which we know will make a difference at the hospital and help future orthopaedic patients.”

Over the years the Friends have raised several million pounds for the hospital, tirelessly helping staff and patients and supporting the wards and departments with their fundraising and profits from their popular hospital shop.

Their current fundraising endeavour is working in partnership with South Tees Hospitals Charity to raise £2m for an MRI scanner - an essential piece of medical equipment used to investigate almost any part of the body.