FUNDING vital medical equipment is the goal for one team taking part in this year’s Destination Basingstoke Shire Half-Marathon.

The Medical Fund Milers are hoping to raise money to go towards the £49,500 cost of ultrasound equipment at Basingstoke hospital that could help patients who have had surgery.

Fund manager Tricia Monro said: “We aim to ensure that patients at the hospital are examined and treated by medical staff using the most up-to-date technology available.

“Money raised through our Heartbeat Appeal will help us buy specialist ultrasound equipment for the critical care unit so that it can provide rapid, accurate assessment and monitoring for the sickest patients, including those who have had a cardiac arrest.”

Among the seven-strong team taking part in the October 7 event is Simon Jones, a consultant paediatrician at Basingstoke hospital. He is no stranger to long runs, having recently completed a 100-mile ultra marathon around Mont Blanc in France, where he faced freezing temperatures and steep hills.

The 48-year-old, from Hook, said: “I think it’s important for people from all different departments in the hospital to do things that will help each other out.”

For details on how to donate to the fund, visit nhmedicalfund. org.