LUNG patients at Ipswich Hospital can breathe easy for Christmas after the donation of two respiratory machines.

CHRISTMAS has come early for Ipswich Hospital's respiratory patients today after the donation of two lung machines.

Breathe Easy, a support group for people with long term breathing conditions, handed over two hand-held spirometers, used to monitor chronic breathing difficulties and speed up treatment for patients.

The equipment, worth £800, was given to Kirton Ward which specialises in caring for patients with respiratory problems.

Peter Woods, chairman of the charity, said: “This early Christmas present to the hard-working staff at the ward is in appreciation of the achievements made in respiratory care locally.”

The money was partly raised by Seckford Golf Club's Simon Jay and Michael Butcher, at a sponsored golf event, and dance instructors Sylvia and Michael Finbow, whose dancing group also donated cash.

It is the latest kind donation in a series of festive cheer stories at the Heath Road hospital.

The Evening Star, along with community partners at Ipswich Asda and Lions clubs in the area, starting spreading Christmas magic earlier this month.

A Christmas tree has been put up in the hospital grounds, the accident and emergency department has been decorated and £300 of children's toys have been donated.

The decision was made to spread Christmas cheer as the hospital has been hit by a year of cutbacks and a difficult battle with superbugs.

N For more information on Breathe Easy, call Mr Woods on 07748 432916.

N Do you have a special Christmas story at Ipswich Hospital? We want to cover all the stories of good cheer at the hospital this year so let us know what is going on. Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk