HOSPITAL charity bosses have thanked singers from a Romsey carol event for a donation that will total as more than £10,000.

A huge crowd braved the cold and bleak weather to gather in the Market Place for the annual event before Christmas.

Accompanied by the Michelmersh Silver Band and local choirs, they were joined by hundreds of carollers of all ages.

All proceeds of the event were to be donated to Southampton Hospital Charity's campaign for a new children's emergency and trauma department at Southampton General Hospital.

Now, the director of the charity has paid tribute to the singers who turned out after a donation of £12,000.

The £3,000 collected at the Market Place event was to be doubled by the Rotary Club of Romsey, before also being doubled by the Government as part of the funding process.

The charity need to raise £2 million which will then be doubled by the Government, and the final £800,000 donated by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

It means that the £3,000 initially collected will effectively turn into £12,000.

Richard Corden, director of Southampton Hospital Charity, said: "This was a magnificent event and we are absolutely delighted with the huge sum raised – an amazing achievement and we would like to thank everyone for their generosity to this fantastic cause."

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Romsey, who said that the Romsey community 'stepped up'.

Bryan Taphouse, club member, said: "We collected approximately £3,000 in The Market Place which the Rotary Club will double to £6,000 and the Government will match this making a total of £12,000.

"The Southampton Hospital Children's Trauma Unit is such a great cause, well done everyone. Romsey always steps up!"

The new trauma unit funding is closing in on £1 million and will feature new x-ray facilities, a triage and reception as well as new beds.

It is estimated that it will treat around 30,000 children across the south.

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