A PROLIFIC charity worker claims his attempts to help the Countess of Chester Hospital has fallen on deaf ears.

Billy Birch of Victoria Road, Ellesmere Port is eager to do a u-turn and once again start raising funds for vital hospital equipment.

He claims he has rang foundation trust chairman Sir James Sharples’ secretary around 10 times and left messages for him but is yet to receive a call back.

Billy said: “I know the hospital is busy but he could have got someone to phone back.

“Even if they don’t want me to raise money for them, just let me know.

“I want to start afresh. There is money waiting there for them. I’ve spoke to the surgeons and they want me to raise funds for new equipment.”

Last year Billy vowed never to raise cash for the Countess again after receiving a “hurtful” letter from hospital bosses.

The fundraiser said he was left devastated by the management’s response to his claims that equipment he collected cash for was not being ordered promptly.

The hospital described Billy’s attitude as “not helpful” but thanked him for his support over the years.

Billy has raised nearly £80,000 since 1990, the majority of which has been given to the Countess.

The Pioneer contacted the Countess of Chester Hospital last week and this week but is yet to receive a reply.