WE’RE delighted to announce that Specsavers in Dudley has become the first business to sponsor a wheelchair as part of The Big Push campaign.

The aim is to raise £30,000 to buy 50 new wheelchairs for Russells Hall Hospital – and we’ve got off to a great start as donations amounting to £1,355 have rolled in.

Gurdeep Dosanjh, store director at the Castle Street opticians, said his team was “proud” to support the campaign by handing over £600.

He said: “This is a simple, yet really important initiative that the local community can easily get behind and we hope many more businesses follow suit and support the cause.

“As a Dudley opticians many of our team and patients have strong connections with Russells Hall and so we’ve been committed to doing all that we can over the years to raise funds and awareness for the fantastic work that the hospital does.”

The Big Push is being carried out in conjunction with Dudley Group NHS Charity and fundraising manager, Karen Phillips, said the new wheelchairs were “vital” to help improve patient experience.

Diane Wake, Chief Executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We were delighted to hear that Gurdeep and his team at Specsavers Dudley have given the campaign a great start by sponsoring our first wheelchair.”

How can you help?

There is still a long way to go until we hit the magic £30,000 mark. 
Kind-hearted readers have already sent in cash and cheques - ranging from a fiver to £100 - and we’re grateful to each and every one of you.

But the hard work is only just beginning and if we're going to equip the hospital with the new wheelchairs, which cost £600 each, we need your help.

If you want to make a donation, you can call into our offices at St John’s House in St John's Road, Stourbridge, and give cash or cheques - cheques need to be made payable to Dudley Group NHS Charity/Wheelchairs.

Alternatively, click here to make a donation online.

Thank you.