FUNDRAISERS from the Frimley Park Hospital Laryingectomy Club presented the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice with a cheque for £5,000 this week. The Lary Club (as it is known) raised the money at their Festival of Transport, its unique veteran, vintage, classic and military vehicle show. The club has now run the annual fundraising event for the last seven years. John Davies, organiser of the event, said: "We are delighted to be able to present Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice with £5,000 for the purchase of a much- needed humidifier and suction machine from the proceeds of the last two festivals. We want to repay the hospice for its support of Lary Club members past, present and future. This year's Festival of Transport will be held on Sunday, June 8. and we do hope you will be able to join us." The Lary Club is a fundraising organisation originally formed as a self-help group for patients who had undergone surgery to remove a cancerous growth in the throat. They campaign to raise funds for local health-related causes. Clodagh Sowton, director of nursing at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, said: "The hospice has seen an increase in the number of patients living with head and neck cancers and we realised we needed better equipment for this group of patients. "The suction machine helps to remove tracheal secretions from patients who are too weak to clear this themselves and the humidifier heats the air or oxygen before it enters the body and travels to the lungs. Patients who have had a tracheotomy or laryngectomy are not able to warm the air before it reaches theirs lungs as it enters directly through a small hole surgically cut into the trachea to provide an airway. The humidifier means they can breathe more comfortably. "These machines have only been around for a few years so we are able to confidently offer improved treatment and care for these patients." The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice serves a population of 600,000 across West Surrey and North East Hampshire, supporting 100 patients and carers on a daily basis. Donations that enable the purchase of equipment such as the humidifier and suction machine are absolutely vital to the continuing improvement of their health services.
