NURSES at Chard Community Hospital have paid tribute to local fundraisers for donating £500 to the town’s minor injuries unit (MIU) to improve patient care.

This is all thanks to sales of a 2019 calendar with pictures of the beautiful surrounding area of Chard, created by photographer Jonathan Warner.

The calendar proved such a popular Christmas present that it sold out, raising £500 for the hospital.

Lynsey Arscott came up with the idea after spotting Mr Warner’s photography on a Chard residents’ Facebook page.

The pair then brought the idea to life with the help of George Catling.

“I thought the photos were so striking that I persuaded Jonathan to create a calendar, which was a huge success,” she said.

“We decided to donate the money to Chard Hospital’s minor injuries unit as we know it’s used by so many people, not least by myself and my children over the years.

“It has been a team effort putting this calendar together with the help of the businesses who sold them so I want to say a big thank you to all the customers that bought them.”

Mr Warner said he was very pleased that the money raised could go to such a great cause, especially as it benefits children.

“Hearing how grateful the hospital team was when I presented the cheque, and knowing the funds will be put to such a worthy cause, makes me feel very proud to have been involved with this,” he said.

Jonathan also gave a special thank you to George Catling, who did a lot of work for the start of the project but had to step away.

He added: "She was heavily involved at the beginning of the project, getting the support from the retailers, along with Lynsey of course."

Chard Hospital’s MIU is open 365 days a year, from 8am – 8:30pm, and its team of nurse practitioners can:

See, assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of non-life threatening minor illnesses and injuries common.

These include; chest, throat and eye infections, sprains and strains, broken bones, wounds, and bites.