Prince George, B.C. – The tenth annual Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation radiothon held Friday raised more than $51,000.

Doctors and other health care professionals, patients and community supporters took to the airwaves over a 12-hour period Friday to raise funds.  The money is going toward a new Pulmonary Function Lab at University Hospital of Northern BC. The lab provides diagnostic information which is used for the medical treatment of patients and their subsequent care.

Foundation CEO Judy Neiser says the support of sponsors, volunteers and valued donors makes a difference in bringing the best of care close to home in the north. Patients will be able to receive their diagnoses more quickly, allowing them to begin appropriate treatment, plan sooner, and improve quality of life. So far more than $400,000 has been raised for the lab project.

The radiothon is one of many events put on by Spirit of the North each year to raise money for equipment purchases and enhancement at UHNBC and for healthcare throughout the region.

Their next big event is the 21^st annual Festival of Trees, running November 21^st to 30^th at the Prince George Civic Centre.