AHEAD of its 50th anniversary the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital and Community has purchased a new defibrillator for the town’s medical centre.

The League of Friends of Launceston Hospital and Community support the hospital and medical centre in purchasing equipment. 2021 is a special year for the charity as it is the 50th anniversary since it was founded in 1971. Throughout its 50 years the charity has spent thousands of pounds on equipment, all of which benefits the people of Launceston and surrounding villages. 

Pam Parnell chairman of the League of Friends, said: “It is a privilege that in our 50th year that our small charity here in Launceston are still able to continue with the aims and objectives that we had as part of our foundation in 1971 by providing equipment to the medical centre, hospital and community nurses including midwives.  

“The past year has been challenging for us all and our fundraising income has decreased. We believe that our medical team here in Launceston have done a fantastic job and have adapted to many challenges.  

“We are grateful to both Cornwall Council and Launceston Town Council to be chosen as one of the recipients to their grant schemes along with other groups and charities, we received £985 from Cornwall Council ‘Community Chest’ scheme and £200 from Launceston Town Council to whom we are truly grateful to. 

“With the grant money and an additional funding donated by the League of Friends we have purchased two portable PhilipsHeartstart FRX Defibrillators for the medical centre. The defibrillators will be used to support the COVID-19 clinics as well as having them on standby at the Practice in the event they are ever needed.”

The League of Friends has its own Facebook page — www.facebook.com/loflaunceston — and throughout 2021 it will be running a monthly interview series entitled ‘What does the League of Friends mean to you’, in which various people who have or are connected to the League of Friends share their thoughts and memories. 

Donations towards projects are always appreciated and the public’s support ensures that the League of Friends can speedily respond to requests for equipment and improvements knowing that it can either meet funding requirements immediately like PPE for COVID in 2020 or have a base from which to launch a larger appeal for example the additional treatment room for Minor Injuries Unit in 2015/16.  

To make a donation and help support the work of the League of Friends, visit its JustGiving donation page at www.justgiving.com/leagueoffriendsoflauncestonhospital or donations can be sent via BACS or cheque. Email [email protected] for more details.