The Radstock and Midsomer Norton Lions has joined forces with the Friends of St Chad’s and Chilcompton Surgeries in the purchase of a phlebotomy chair for the Chilcompton Surgery’s new Phlebotomy Room.

The gesture was made as a tribute in memory of the late Russell Ford, who was a Lion and a Friend of St Chad’s.

The Lions donated eight hundred and fifty pounds in memory of the late Russell Ford, and the Friends added just over four hundred pounds to complete the purchase. Russell had served as a member of the Friends for well over ten years until he retired in 2011 and was a long-serving member of the Lions Club. We are all very grateful to the Lions for their generous support.

The GP Practice has equipped a new room at their Chilcompton Surgery to enable them to provide more blood clinics at both surgeries. The chair is especially necessary for patients who may be frail or have other special requirements. The intention is to make tests simpler and more comfortable for patients.

Russell’s widow, Joyce Ford, and Jenny Evans, a long time member of the Friends, were on hand to test out the new equipment.

All were also proud to unveil a plaque on the door paying tribute to Russell’s long service with both organisations.

Sarah Oughton