Shoppers help MRI scanner appeal

More than 600 people had to leave the island in 2005 for scans

Supermarket shoppers have raised £15,000 for a BBC Radio Guernsey appeal to buy an MRI scanner for the island.

The Co-op raised the money within two months in a scheme that allowed members to donate share dividends gained from a purchase to a charity account.

Various fund-raising events have been held since the BBC's £450,000 appeal was launched on 19 June.

About £163,000 has been raised to date. The scanner will allow for more accurate diagnoses of conditions.

The Co-op's share scheme allows its 94,000 Channel Island members to earn 4p in every pound spent, which they can then keep or give to charity.

Patients travelling

A shop spokesman said they were impressed by people's generosity.

The Co-op scheme will run until the end of the appeal.

In 2005, more than 600 patients in Guernsey needing an MRI scan were forced to go to Jersey or Southampton for the test.

The appeal for the £750,000 scanner was boosted by a £300,000 donation by the Credit Suisse bank.

Health Minister Peter Roffey said: "Without the BBC and the public, we probably would have to wait several more years before we got it."

How to donate