THE Daily Echo-backed Wish List campaign is gathering momentum as yet more items are crossed off the list of equipment requested by staff at Poole Hospital.

Working rather like a wedding list, the campaign features a range of equipment, priced from just £1 right through to several thousands of pounds, which, while not essential to the running of the hospital, will make a real difference to the lives of staff and patients.

The latest donation of £300 comes from Asda's recruitment office in Poole and the cash will be used to buy three nebulisers for the hospital's equipment library.

These will then be loaned out to various wards as and when they are needed.

Asda customer care manager Lorna Simpson said: "We wanted to start with community giving before waiting until the new store opens in Poole in September.

"Then when our colleagues are in the store they will be able to look at the Wish List and decide what else they want to go for."

Hospital fund-raising co-ordinator Jane Hullcoop said she was thrilled with the donation.

She added: "I'm absolutely delighted not only with the donation, but with this new relationship we're forming with Asda, who are obviously very committed to the community.

"This is going to be an ongoing relationship and we hope that this will encourage other companies to come forward and make a difference."

To find out how you can help the Wish List campaign, call Jane Hullcoop or Barbara Wells on 01202 448449 where there is a 24-hour answerphone; e-mail fundraising@poole.nhs.uk; or visit the website at www.poolehos.org/fundraising/home.htm.

First published: August 13