Oxford Mail photographers were kept busy recording cheque presentations and other events supporting local hospitals.

Fundraising activities were organised all over the county and organisers were keen to get maximum publicity for their efforts and to thank those who had contributed.

The picture above dates from 1987 when the Duchess of Marlborough accepted a £6,800 cheque from staff at the Midland (now HSBC) Bank at Witney.

READ MORE: Campaigners rally to save closed village pub 

The money was for SSNAP, Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents, based in the maternity unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The Duchess, who chaired SSNAP, said: “It is a fantastic effort, way above all our expectations.”

SSNAP secretary Madeleine Radburn said the money would buy a machine which measured and controlled oxygen and carbon dioxide in babies’ blood.

Two-thirds of the money had been raised at a sponsored squat at the Palace Fitness Studio in Market Square, Witney, with support from studio owner Alan Winterbourne.

Oxford United footballer Trevor Hebberd had kicked off the event and 100 people took part.

Men had to squat their body weight 30 times and women had to do 30 squats at half their body weight.

Other events included a street collection, street market and horse race night.

The Midland Bank gave £1 for each £1 raised by staff, with a £50 maximum per person.

SSNAP continues to support families while their babies are in the neonatal care unit.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.