A £50,000 donation from Newton Abbot Hospital League of Friends has enabled Newton Abbot Community Transport Association (NACTA) to add two minibuses to its fleet.
One of the vehicles is brand new and the other a low-mileage model supplied by a local specialist.
The cost for both came in at around £100,000 meaning the League’s contribution covered half the bill.
Delighted NACTA trustees showed their appreciation for the gesture at a ceremony held at the hospital on Thursday September 4.
Addressing League volunteers and NACTA colleagues, Chairman Mike Hocking said: ‘We wanted to get you all together and say thank you to the volunteers at Newton Abbot Hospital League of Friends for all your support, not just over the last couple of years but for many years before that.
‘Without the support of people like you we wouldn’t exist and if that was the case the people of Newton Abbot and the surrounding areas would not be able to get to hospital appointments, doctors’ appointments, or even just go out for a bit of a social and meeting others.
‘This is what it’s all about so thank you.’
League Chair Ruth Robinson praised the selfless efforts of those who raised the money that allowed this and other donations to be made.
‘Because our volunteers are in the hospital, people see them and generously give money,’ she said.
‘The ladies have their stalls making us known, and Newton Abbot Hospital is part of the community. People see it as such and give us funds for which we are very grateful.’
League President Mike Ryan added: ‘Community Transport provides a good service for Newton Abbot, it’s a very good charity and that’s why we support it.’
Mayor Cllr Colin Parker voiced his support for both organisations.
‘The tremendous job that the League of Friends has done for many many years is to be commended and it’s great they’ve come together with Community Transport who provide an excellent and expanding service.
‘The town really does appreciate the efforts of both organisations.’
NACTA Trustee John Pike helped to arrange the partnership.
‘I got in touch with Ruth who is someone I’ve know for a long time, explained that we needed a lot of money and she very generously responded,’ he said.
‘We’re very grateful to her and all League of Friends volunteers.’
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