SOUTHAMPTON healthcare staff have raised nearly £500 for an NHS charity close to their hearts.

Staff at NRS Healthcare took to the city centre over the weekend to raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity.

Campaigners completed a bed push, using the company's own hospital bed and wheeling it through Southampton city centre.

Team members Dave Jenkins, Stuart Betts, Mark Pollard, Ali O’ Hara, Mike Cutler and Neil Thacker hope to help improve the care and treatment of patients.

Staff were joined by the Lord Mayor, Jacqui Rayment, Southampton City Council Commissioner Paul Frampton, and Sammy the hospital mascot.

Mike Cutler, Service Manager in Southampton, said: "The bed push was excellent.

"We were delighted to raise just short of £500 from the two hours collecting in the city centre.

"As well as wanting to raise money for such a great cause, we also took the opportunity to hand out some NRS pens and trolley keyrings.

"We talked to people about how they can return any community equipment they no longer need, so that it can be used by others.

"A few people we chatted to said how amazing it was to have equipment for their loved ones so that they can stay in their own homes.

"I was immensely proud to be a part of this. The team in Southampton really do go above and beyond."

Ali O’ Hara, Clinical Regional Manager for NRS, organised the event.

She said: "It was an amazing and uplifting to see the generosity of the people of Southampton.

"We met a girl who was born on Christmas Day weighing just 4lbs, whose parents call her their little miracle.

"She regularly attends the hospital, and it was humbling to know that the money we’re raising will help children like her.

"I’d like to thank everyone from Southampton who supported the event.

"Thank you to Jacqui Rayment who took time out of her busy day and is a remarkable ambassador for her charities.

"Ray Southam for coordinating the event from the children’s hospital charity and coming along as Sammy the mascot.

"And Paul Frampton, who attended. We look forward to continuing our collaborative working with both health and social care."

To donate visit the website.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook