A DUDLEY taxi company has helped The Big Push campaign move up a gear.

Triple 20 Taxis, based in King Street, has donated £600 to purchase a wheelchair for Russells Hall Hospital.

We're aiming to raise £30,000 to buy 50 additional wheelchairs and thanks to the cab company's generosity, our total has now accelerated to £9,736.

Muhammad Nasim and Nazavat Ali, the directors of the firm, which employs more than 100 drivers, said: "We have quite a few customers who are wheelchair users and we also do a lot of pick up and drop offs at the hospital so we thought it would be a nice thing to do as a company.

"It's only a small gesture but hopefully it will make a big difference."

Karen Philips, fundraising manager for the Dudley Group NHS Charity, said: “We have been really pleased with the on-going support from companies.

"This latest donation from Triple 20 Taxis highlights the generosity of our local businesses and we are very grateful to the team.”

Any groups, organisations or businesses interested in sponsoring a chair, should call our reporter Kelly Harris on 01384 358283.

People can also donate by texting NEWS66 and an amount of £2, £5 or £10 to 70070 or online via www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/dghc/wheelchairs.

Online donations made by UK taxpayers can be boosted by 25 per cent - at no extra cost - by selecting the GiftAid option.

Alternatively, visit our offices at St John’s House, Stourbridge, with cash or cheques, payable to Dudley Group NHS Charity/Wheelchairs.