THERE were pennies from heaven at the Alexandra Hospital after a generous donation left it just hundreds of pounds away from its multi-faith centre building target.

Fund-raising efforts received a major boost in the form of a £5,000 gift from former members of the Bromsgrove General Hospital staff social club, Chapter Two.

The donation took the amount raised to about £107,000 and put chaplain Barry Jones within £300 of the total needed to open the new centre, which is located off the main reception area.

Joining him in the centre to hand over a cheque were several members of staff, now based at the Alexandra, who were members of Chapter Two.

One of the people presenting the money was Maureen Bristow, who with her husband Graham and the late Paul Byrne helped run the club for many years.

The club was wound up after acute services from Bromsgrove General, now the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, were transferred to the Alexandra.

Mrs Bristow said: "We had some money left which we wanted to put to a good use and several people suggested we should help Barry's fantastic efforts with the multi-faith centre."

Money was also given to Bromsgrove General Football Club.

Mr Jones said: "Their wonderful generosity has put us very close to raising all the money we need to open the centre.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped raise the money."

It is hoped to hold a Chapter Two reunion soon.

More details are available from Graham Bristow on 837365.