A HOSPITAL appeal to provide a tranquil retreat for patients has reached £10,000.

The University Hospital of Hartlepool fund reached the milestone following a £1,000 donation from the now disbanded St Aidan's Bingo Club.

Nurses launched the appeal in June last year to raise £60,000 to help the hospital's Rehabilitation Unit, in wards one and two, create a rooftop conservatory and garden.

The facilities will provide a haven for patients, including those recovering from amputations, medical conditions and strokes.

Staff hope to install a hydraulic lift to take patients from the first-floor wards to the garden once it is created.

Donations to the appeal have come from former patients and their families, as well as local churches, brownie groups and charity nights.

Sidney Holroyd, former vice-chairman of St Aidan's Bingo Club, said: "The club is delighted to be making one of its final donations to this appeal and we are really pleased to see support for such a worthy cause growing."

Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal should make it out to North Tees and Hartlepool Charitable Fund Account (Fund no. 5250) and send it to Carol Tunstall, Ward Manager, Ward 1, University Hospital of Hartlepool, Holdforth Road, Hartlepool, TS24 9AH.

Anyone wishing to offer help or support is asked to contact Ms Tunstall on (01429) 522100.