OVER £1,000 has been raised from a charity concert in aid of Hexham General Hospital’s oncology department.

Hexham-based singing group Rock Choir, conducted by Rob Slater, performed a selection of songs to an audience of over 230 people at Tynedale Function Suite in Hexham on Friday.

Also attending the event was guest speaker Dr Alex Duncan, who was based at Hexham General from 2011 until 2016. Dr Duncan spoke to guests about his medical work in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Tickets and donations raised a total of £1,100.

The event was spearheaded by Richard Dunn from Humshaugh, who has a personal connection to the cause as he regularly attends the oncology department, which provides care for cancer patients.

“I just wanted to do something helpful because I’ve been treated so well by all the staff on my visits there, and this was something I could do to thank them,” Richard said.

“It was a real feel-good event. Everyone was up on their feet for the choir and singing along to the hits, and Dr Duncan’s talk was very inspiring.

“We priced the tickets at £5, but everybody was so generous they donated much more than the asking price. I’m really thankful for everyone who turned out to support such a worthwhile cause.”