A Farnham hospice is one of 10 causes to receive funding from South East Water’s Community Chest Fund.

Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice alongside Aldershot Underwood Bowling Club, and Mustard Seed Autism Trust recieved a grant of £2,000.

The Hospice will purchase a Mangar Eagle Emergency Lifting Cushion for use with patients in their Living Well services, out in the community in patients' homes. The device will be used if a patient falls and cannot easily be lifted.

Jade Cope, Phyllis Tuckwell community services manager, said: “We are thrilled to receive £2,000 funding from South East Water’s Community Chest Fund which will enable us to buy an Eagle Lifting machine.

“This is an inflatable machine which will help us to assist patients when they have fallen either in our in-patient unit, day hospice or in their homes in the community. The Eagle Lifting machine is a piece of equipment often used by emergency service paramedics as it enables safe lifting of patients from the floor to a sitting position where they can then stand up or transfer to a chair or bed.

“The machine is very portable, can be used in small spaces and allows our clinical staff to assist patients quickly and in a way that preserves their dignity if they have fallen where the alternative could involve calling emergency services and a long wait on the floor.”

Tanya Sephton, South East Water customer services director, commented: “Once again this year we saw a high number of applications, giving the judging panel difficult decisions to make.

“They went on to choose a number of projects covering a wide range of good causes that needed a little extra financial help to make a difference.

“This award from our Community Chest fund will help bring these projects to life and make a really positive difference to the communities they serve.”