A BASINGSTOKE charity is hoping to raise £130,000 for a life-saving piece of equipment.

The North Hampshire Medical Fund, which raises money for hospital equipment independently of the NHS, is currently trying to raise £130,000 for an endobronchial ultrasound, which is a special kind of telescope that allows medics to see inside the airways.

It also uses ultrasound to allow samples to be taken from a lymph gland or tumour around the centre of the chest.

William Magill, chairman of the fund, said: “It will make a huge difference to patients as currently they have to travel to Southampton or Oxford to get the procedure.

“There is a waiting time of around three or four weeks, during which time a tumour can double in size, so time is absolutely of the essence.

“Providing this service locally will make a big difference to a lot of people.”

It is thought that the equipment, which will be based in the department of respiratory medicine at Basingstoke hospital, will be used for between 80 and 100 procedures every year.

The North Hampshire Medical Fund is promoting its fundraising efforts in the reception of the main hospital, with a wooden Christmas tree, which will be ‘filled up’ as the money comes in.

The fundraising effort was officially launched last Thursday at Basingstoke hospital, where Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Councillor Roger Gardiner, his Mayoress wife Tricia and Deputy Mayor Cllr Anne Court were guests of honour.

The special tree was created by students from Basingstoke College of Technology, and Christmas lights will be switched on as various fundraising targets are met.

If you would like to make a donation, visit nhmedicalfund.org, call 01256 314759 or email medicalfund@hhft.nhs.uk.