SOUTHEND Hospital’s charitable foundation has celebrated raising more than £4.6million over the past 20 years.

Since the foundation was launched in 1998, patients, relatives, friends and businesses across Essex have helped raise almost £5million.

This has recently helped to fund state-of-the-art equipment for a bed on the new High Dependency Unit and for the ongoing Mobile Stroke Unit test.

Nearly 200 people attended the ball at Apton Hall, Rochford, to celebrate the success of the foundation. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live entertainment and took part in an auction.

The event, also attended by Southend deputy mayor Ann Holland and leader of Rochford Council, councillor David Merrick, raised £12,000 for the foundation’s For Wards Appeal. This is to help fund an Active Breathing Co-ordinator for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.

It has already raised £200,000 for projects across the hospital.

The event was sponsored by Adventure Island and its boss, Philip Miller, was presented with an outstanding achievement award by Denise Townsend, director of nursing, in recognition of his service to the foundation.

Mick Thwaites, chairman of the hospital’s Charitable Foundation, said: “We are delighted with the support we continue to receive, and look forward to the next 20 years.”