A DEVOTED fundraiser who has drummed up well over £1million for lifesaving surgical equipment is The Herald's latest Gold Star winner.

Mike Turner founded the Cavitron Fund in 1983 to help buy specialist kit for Derriford Hospital's neurosurgery department, which treats patients with brain and spine injuries.

Since then he has tirelessly dedicated his time to organising balls, dinners, talks and other events to boost the charity's coffers.

The fund and its supporters have raised more than £1.25million in the past decade alone, which has helped place Plymouth at the forefront of neurosurgery.

Retired Derriford employee Mike, aged 69, of Plymouth city centre, has been named as the latest recipient of The Herald and First Devon and Cornwall's Gold Star award.

The awards highlight the selfless achievements of the city's unsung heroes.

Mike said he is honoured to receive recognition – but the biggest reward is in the benefit of the money raised.

"For nearly 30 years it has taken my life over, if the truth is known," he said. "The thing is, it's nice to be able to do something good for the community and know people will benefit, especially during these difficult times.

"We all come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. We should help each other as much as we can in between."

Mike enjoyed a range of jobs, including roadsweeper and professional DJ at the Majestic Ballroom during the 1960s, before working at Derriford.

He was employed in medical records and then as a manager in the neurosurgery department until retiring aged 65.

He launched the Cavitron Fund after a colleague mentioned neurosurgery was in need of some surgical equipment – a Cavitron machine – and Mike decided to raise £200,000 to cover the cost.

He has raised money for the department ever since.

"When we started we were one of the least equipped neurosurgery departments in the country," said Mike. "Now we are head and shoulders above the rest. It's amazing really. It has progressed to become a place of absolute excellence."

He said funding cutting-edge equipment has become difficult for hospitals.

"In 1983 we were talking about scalpels that cost hundreds of pounds," he said. "Now we are talking about machines that cost hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds."

Its latest fundraising drive is for £450,000 worth of pioneering image guidance equipment for spinal surgery.

Bill Martin, The Herald editor, said: "Mike Turner is a worthy winner of this month's Gold Star award. He is a truly inspirational man whose tireless efforts spanning four decades have benefited countless patients from across the region."

Robbie Lamerton, general manager for First in Devon and Cornwall which sponsors the awards, added: "We are thrilled that it has been possible to honour Mike in this way. He has worked incredibly hard over the past decades to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. The result is that Plymouth now has a resource at its fingertips that can be used to help save lives – with the impact of this being felt far and wide. Congratulations Mike."

If you know someone who fits the bill then why not nominate them for a Gold Star? Call or write to The Herald or email goldstarawards@theplymouthherald.co.uk

Anyone who can help with fundraising for the Cavitron Fund can call Mike on 01752 670288.