THANK you for your report of Richmond MP William Hague’s switching on of the new television system provided by the Friends of Richmond Friary Community Hospital (Echo, some editions, June 13).

However, in addition to the money raised by the Friends – to which you refer – I must add that we are very grateful to the many people who make donations in thanks for the excellent treatment they have received, in memory of relatives who spent their last days in the terminal ward, and by way of very generous legacies.

Providing and installing the televisions cost £22,444 but, fortunately, we have a very healthy balance in our accounts with the Charities Official Investment Funds. However, we expect, in the future, to have to replace the x-ray equipment we originally provided when the new hospital was opened. This is likely to cost well over £100,000.

As with so many voluntary organisations our membership is inexorably getting into “the sere and yellow leaf”, and we should be delighted to be joined by some younger Friends, to help with, for example, running the annual art exhibition – this will be in its 16th year in 2010.

Roy Cross, Honorary Treasurer, Friends of Richmond Friary Community Hospital, Richmond, North Yorkshire.