Hospital bed push returns to raise £1,000

The Torbay Hospital League of Friends event returned for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
League members and supporters push a hospital bed, complete with a teddy patient, around Torquay seafront while collecting donations from members of the public.
The route begun at the Grand Hotel and saw the team travel past the Princess Theatre and around the inner harbour before heading back to the start. Three pushes took place at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Members of the Friends were joined by Torbay mayor Mark Spacagna, who has chosen the League as one of the charities he will be raising funds for during his year-long Mayoral term.
The teams were also joined by Kate Lissett, Interim Medical Director, and Jane Harris, Associate Director of Communications and Partnerships from Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
Lots of people showed their appreciation for both the League and their local NHS’ work, and the team were particularly grateful for support from Offshore Bar & Restaurant and Harbour Gifts and Antiques.
Kathryn Westaway, Friends' chairman, said: “It was great to be able to do the bed push again after a three-year year break due to COVID-19.
"We all had a great day, whilst collecting over £1,000 for the League. My thanks go to everyone who kindly donated to us.”
Mayor Spacagna said: “It was a privilege to be invited to join all the volunteers who give up their free time to raise funds for such an amazing charity, a charity that I've chosen as one of my Mayoral charities.”
Kate Lissett said: “It was a pleasure to be able to support Torbay Hospital League of Friends for their bed push. It was clear how grateful local people and visitors to our area are for the support their NHS provides.
“Our organisation is so grateful for the League’s continuous fundraising and support; events like these show how important they are and how much they mean to our wider community too.”