Patients at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital are to benefit from early cardiovascular issue screening.

This is thanks to a £18,300 scanner funded by the family of a patient.

Debs Venezia, a long-term patient of the hospital since 1991, has been diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a condition which causes joint pain, skin rash and fatigue.

Though SLE lacks a cure, early treatment can improve symptom improvements.

Unfortunately, Ms Venezia initially developed a heart condition in the late 1980s and had surgery, which saved her life.

She was then diagnosed with lupus and severe renal failure leading to a kidney transplant.

Ms Venezia's family, grateful for the care and treatment by Dr Ayman Askari, a consultant rheumatologist at the Gobowen hospital, rallied to organise a fundraising campaign.

Dr Askari explained that early screening of lupus patients can detect other illnesses that are associated with it, to allow treatment which may prevent surgery and complications.

Working with The Orthopaedic Institute, a charity based in RJAH, Ms Venezia's father Alan Birchall and sister Rachael Griffiths set out to fundraise more than £18,300 for a scanner to help the early detection of illnesses.

Ms Griffiths said: "It’s been a lot of work over a long period of time, but being able to see the scanner and hear the difference it will make, makes it all so worthwhile."

It took them two years to reach their goal, which was supported along the way by several large donations from the Westland and Redcastle Village Show and the Oswestry Cambrian Rotary Club, among others.

On reaching their target, they visited the hospital to see the scanner in operation.

Celebrating their achievement, Dr Askari said: "It’s an absolute blessing for me, and it is of such huge benefit for my patients.

"I am so grateful to Rachael for her tireless fundraising, and for her devotion to her sister and to our patients.

"Her enthusiasm has turned into a lifelong commitment to charitable causes and to helping our hospital.

"We will reap the rewards of this scanner for many years, and I cannot thank them enough.

"I am grateful, also, to The Orthopaedic Institute for their ongoing support."

Debbie Alexander, charity fundraiser for the Orthopaedic Institute, said: "We are really grateful to Rachael and her family, who have worked so hard to raise more than £18,300 to purchase and maintain this scanner for the use of Dr Askari and the Rheumatology Team.

“Thank you also to Debs’ sons, Alex and Will. Alex took part in the Shropshire Triathlon, and both joined Rachael in walking the Shropshire Way, amongst many other fundraising events to hit their target.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to meet such a kind and caring family who want to help others, this is what makes my job so special.

"We can’t thank them enough and look forward to hearing about Debs’ continued recovery over the coming months.”

Those who want to support the Orthopaedic Institute's efforts can call 01691 404561, or email enquiries@orthopaedic-institute.org.