PATIENTS at Russells Hall Hospital are already benefitting from The Big Push campaign as the first batch of new wheelchairs has arrived.

With your help, we've raised £3,139 - enough for five wheelchairs - in just three weeks.

The new lime wheelchairs are "absolutely fantastic", according to hospital volunteer Lilian Harrison.

She said: “I have tested them out myself and they are so comfortable and much easier to manoeuvre, especially for someone small like me.

“It's great that the new wheelchairs also have a compartment at the back to store papers and belongings as it can often be very difficult to carry them and push the chair."

She said the campaign, which aims to raise £30,000 to buy a total of 50 additional wheelchairs - priced £600 each, was a "wonderful idea", adding: "Patients are always in need of wheelchairs. I personally know how frustrating it can be bringing a relative to hospital and not being able to find a wheelchair.”

Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said she was "delighted" with the generosity of shown by businesses, organisations and members of the public, who have donated to the appeal so far.

She said: "The campaign’s got off to a great start and already we have received enough money to buy five new chairs.

“We hope that people continue to donate and help us reach our target."

To make a donation to The Big Push, text NEWS66 and an amount of £2, £5 or £10 to 70070.

There is also an opportunity to add Gift Aid, meaning we will benefit from an extra 25 per cent.

You can also donate online via www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/dghc/wheelchairs or call into our offices at St John’s House, Stourbridge, and give cash or cheques.

Cheques MUST be made payable to Dudley Group NHS Charity/Wheelchairs.