A HOSPITAL has taken delivery of its new MRI scanner after years of fundraising.

The scanner was lifted into the Friarage Hospital on Sunday as the hospital thanked everyone who had given time to fundraising for the equipment which will benefit patients across Teesside and North Yorkshire.

Paul Watkins, South Tees Hospital Charity’s head of fundraising, described seeing the MRI scanner being lifted into the hospital as the “realisation of years of hard work and fundraising” by generous members of the public.

He said: “Without the generosity of various individuals and community groups who have put their hands in their pockets - or held one of the hundreds of weird and wonderful fundraising events we have seen over the last few years, this would not have been possible.

“A massive “thank you” has to go to every single person who has made a donation to the appeal to date."

Bill Waters, who raised more than £6,000 in less than a year for the campaign in memory of his wife Pamela, was amongst the onlookers watching the magnificent machine being lifted into the hospital at the weekend.

He aid: “I was absolutely delighted to see the scanner arrive on Sunday morning. I intend to carry on fundraising as long as I possibly can."

As well as providing the crucial diagnostic test for numerous conditions to more people closer to their homes, the new MRI scanner will reduce waiting times at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Currently, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust carries out more than 27,000 scans every year at James Cook – 6,500 of which are for patients living in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Throughout the fundraising campaign, South Tees Hospitals Charity worked in partnership with Friends of The Friarage, who pledged £500,000 towards the MRI scanner, which has been delivered in partnership with Interserve.

For information visit www.friaragescannerappeal.org.uk.