Kind-hearted staff in Ward B32 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital have raised nearly £2,000 for a national brain charity, by making up special hampers and visiting more than 50 Forth Valley companies in search of prizes. The fund-raising exercise was held in memory of Elizabeth Barker from Bonnybridge, whose daughter Irene Martin is the senior sister in charge of the ward. Elizabeth died from a brain tumour seven years ago.

Two of the hampers were filled with ‘pamper’ products including face masks, and soaps purchased in Capri. A third was devoted to ‘hot chocolate’ and contained marshmallows, chocolate bars, mugs and chocolate fingers. The fourth hamper was full of Christmas foods and goodies.

NHS Forth Valley Senior staff nurse Donna Calder and colleague Denise Cassidy collected prizes for a bingo night at Camelon Labour Club which raised £1300, and Donna’s mother Ray Riley promoted the fund-raising extravaganza in the restaurant at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

Donna and Denise said: “We had an absolute ball collecting prizes and were overwhelmed by the generosity of local people and businesses. It was wonderful getting out to the community and being able to meet folk.  The 150-seater prize bingo was a sell-out and we had so many prizes we could have held two events.”

The money raised was donated to the National Brain Appeal which raises funds to improve the outcome and quality of life for every individual with a neurological disorder. This includes brain tumours, dementia, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, stroke and epilepsy.