Thanks to a single summer’s day of entertainment, expensive medical equipment that will save the lives of babies and children has been purchased for Epsom Hospital this week.

A party at the Wheatsheaf in Ewell in July with a barbeque, afternoon entertainment and karaoke raised £3,000 for the Epsom Medical Equipment Fund.

Income was boosted by raffle prizes contributed by local businesses and individuals, and a generous Premium Credit donation.

The £4,000 ultrasound heart probe for newborns and young children acquires far more detailed information and moving pictures of the heart than the adult version.

At this age, a baby’s heart is barely larger than a walnut and the equipment will extend the age range of children who can have heart scans at Epsom.

Adam Carter, consultant paediatrician, thanked the Wheatsheaf team and their supporters for making this purchase possible as it is expected to save many lives in the future.