THE Royal Hampshire County Hospital British Red Cross Trolley Shop dollies have purchased two Lifepak portable defibrillators for use in for their ambulances.

Over £1,000 was raised by the ladies offering patients on Monday and Wednesday afternoon everything from soap and shampoo, to sweets and treats, squash and stamps.

Andy Cash, the British Red Cross Ambulance Team Leader, said: “These defibrillators are portable versions of the equipment we regularly see on television hospital programmes for re-starting a patient’s heart. Used in conjunction with traditional resuscitation methods (CPR), they greatly increase the chances of survival and the effectiveness of ambulance staff”.

Volunteer Gill Froude said: “When I retired from nursing after 49 years I wanted to join the trolley shop and am now in my seventh year.

“It’s something I really enjoy doing, being part of a team and helping to raise funds to provide extra equipment like this.

“It’s a very satisfying commitment”.

Jean Lee, the trolley shop manager added: “If you see us on our round in the wards, please support us if you can”.