VOLUNTEER doctors with a life-saving Wiltshire charity have a new kit bag and other equipment thanks to staff and customers at Haine & Smith opticians, who helped celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary with a year-long fundraising effort.

SWIFT Medics was the nominated charity for Wiltshire-based opticians Haine & Smith for 2014-15. Recently, members of the charity went to Haine & Smith’s Marlborough practice – one of the first two to open in 1975 – to receive a cheque for £1,111.77 from practice manager Malcolm Lee.

The money was raised from SWIFT Medics’ collection tins placed in Haine & Smith’s 19 practices across Wiltshire and the surrounding area, along with fundraising events held by staff.

Rachel Wheeler, Haine & Smith marketing manager, said: “One of our goals as an established local business is to invest back in the communities we serve.

"The vital work carried out by SWIFT Medics perfectly reflects that goal so is a cause we have been pleased to support.”

Earlier in the year, a £2,180 donation from the firm bought a new medical bag fully kitted out with vital equipment.

The kit was used within hours of being handed over after SWIFT Medics doctors Jonathan Glover and Constantin Jarbarin were called to a patient with an open dislocation of the ankle.

SWIFT Medics is a team of doctors who respond to serious traffic collisions or other incidents where patients have suffered a severe injury or other life-threatening medical emergency anywhere in Wiltshire and Swindon.

Mr Glover, Chairman of SWIFT Medics as well as one of the nine-strong team who respond to incidents, said: “This welcome support from Haine & Smith and its customers provides valuable equipment that can help us save lives and prevent life-changing injuries.

"As a charity, we receive no funding from the NHS or the government, so rely on the support of generous individuals and organisations throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.”

The volunteer doctors work alongside ambulance paramedics and air ambulance crews at the scene of an emergency and are able to provide enhanced care, including stronger pain relief and surgical procedures.