A FORMER North Yorkshire vicar's dedication has ensured that hundreds of cancer patients will no longer have to travel to Middlesbrough for treatment.
The Reverend Ted Spiller was among those who had to make a regular journey to South Cleveland Hospital, which was the nearest with a flexible ureteroscope.
That meant passing the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton on the way until he decided he would launch a fundraising campaign to cover the cost of a new piece of equipment for the local urology department.
Mr Spiller, now retired as a clergyman, originally set a target of £4,500.
However, less than six months later, he was able to hand over £8,883 after winning overwhelming support from the public.
Yesterday, Mr Spiller was joined by Richmond MP, William Hague to witness the arrival of two new ureteroscopes at The Friarage Hospital.
The cost of the equipment, which aids the diagnosis and treatment of urinary diseases, means it is normally only installed in larger hospitals
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