SOUTHEND Hospital’s Charitable Foundation has raised more than £4.4 million since it began 20 years ago.

The foundation sprang to life in 1998 thanks to a group of like-minded people who wanted to make a difference.

The foundation has raised the remarkable sum over the last two decades through a series of high-profile campaigns which have attracted great support from hospital staff and the public.

These have included the Bosom Pals Appeal for digital mammography equipment and a heart monitoring network funded by the Healing Hearts Appeal, to name but two.

The For Wards Appeal wants to add £500,000 to that total over the next two years.

Funds raised from the appeal will help the hospital meet requests from doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, so they can help respond to patients’ needs wherever the need is greatest.

Launching the appeal at the Genting Casino in Westcliff, Mick Thwaites, chairman of the charitable foundation addressed the assembled throng of clinicians, hospital staff, community fundraisers and local dignitaries,

He said: “The foundation was established to help raise money for capital projects and state-of-the-art equipment that was beyond the reach of the NHS budget provision.

“Its success can be seen throughout the hospital, from the up to the minute monitoring system funded by the Healing Hearts Appeal, the dedicated stroke unit with its own rehabilitation gym, to the breast unit with the very latest screening technology.

“More recently we completed the Keyhole Cancer Appeal – thanks to the support of many of you here today – the new 3D laparoscopic theatre suite is due to be completed this summer.”

Trustees also include Philip Miller, boss of Adventure Island, and Echo editor Chris Hatton.

Mr Hatton said: “The launch of Southend Hospital’s Charitable Foundation’s latest appeal has thrown the spotlight on the amazing efforts made by hundreds of fundraisers.

“Their dedication over 20 years has benefited the hospital to the tune of £4.4million.

“Most importantly the money they have raised has made a vast difference to patients undergoing treatment - and, I believe, saved many lives.”