Patients, families, and staff are being encouraged to visit a special charity day to raise funds towards buying vital care equipment for the frail and elderly.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn will host the day on Thursday, and all funds raised from the event will go towards its Excel Appeal, which is supported by the EDP.

The appeal aims to raise £50,000 for specialist equipment, such as falls prevention kits, recliner chairs, and dementia software, which will all improve the hospital's care of the elderly.

Thursday's event is organised by Lincolnshire-based Susanne Benjamin, who sells various items at hospitals and universities across the country through her business Style Basics.

People visiting the hospital will be able to buy a range of products, such as jigsaw puzzles, books, jewellery, wallets, gift sets, cuddly toys, toiletries and end of season lines.

Mrs Benjamin said: 'The nice thing about having events like this in a hospital is that you can feel the community spirit and there is always a nice atmosphere.

'It's nice to be able to say hello to someone new, and also I think it's nice a nice event for people who have been in hospital on their own to get involved in.

'There will be plenty of bargains for people, and it's for a very good cause.'

Mrs Benjamin used to work as a buyer for large companies including John Lewis, so she is promising a varied amount of items on offer.

Previous charity events which Mrs Benjamin has organised have raised between £400-£600.

Laurence Morlaas, fundraising executive at the hospital, said: 'There will be masses of bargains and goods which Mrs Benjamin has never sold here before.

'So, during your breaks or at lunch time, please go and check out what's on offer in the fundraising stall unit.

'We are extremely grateful to Susanne, who is giving all the money collected on the day to our appeal.'

The event is on Thursday in the hospital's foyer from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

The hospital held a Christmas Jumper Day last month, organised by neurology secretary Vicky Jones, which raised £121.85.

Sponsorship and donation forms are available at www.qehkl.nhs.uk/fundraising.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/qehkl-excelappeal or you can pay by cheque made payable to 'Excel Appeal'. Send it to Laurence Morlaàs, fundraising executive, QEH, Gayton Road, King's Lynn PE30 4ET.

Are you fundraising? Email nicholas.carding@archant. co.uk