SAVE LIVES, NOT POINTS

6:30am Thursday 9th October 2008

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SAVE lives, not points. That's the slogan of a new loyalty card being launched nationally in Bournemouth next week that could raise millions of pounds for NHS charities.

Experts believe the Hospital Gift card could revolutionise NHS fundraising, with the extra money bringing major improvements to equipment and the care of patients.

The idea is that each time a cardholder makes a purchase, a donation will be made to his or her local hospital trust.

Among big names signed up to the ambitious scheme - which has attracted government attention - are Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Next, Asda, e-Bay, Boots and B & Q.

The card is the brainchild of Adam Gregory, a former three-time British champion hairdresser from Southampton who was forced to rethink his life after shattering his right leg while coaching youngsters at football.

"I was in and out of hospital over the next 18 months to two years, then I had to have scans and blood tests. I had three major other health problems. My consultant said I had to give up hairdressing otherwise I was going to end up in a wheelchair permanently," he explained.

"I decided I wanted to get involved in fundraising for children's charities. I have one grade one CSE and an O level in metalwork, I applied for a couple of jobs, but being dyslexic and disabled, I hadn't much of a chance."

While sitting in the disabled section at the FA Cup Final, the football fanatic and Saints supporter noticed there were no children around. He started U Support, which gives disabled, disadvantaged and terminally ill youngsters the chance to attend football matches.

Mr Gregory then started looking for a way of helping all charities. He was told it was impossible, but he hit on the idea of insurance broking. Half the commission on each policy taken out through Gift Insurance goes to the customer's chosen charity.

Under his new scheme, anyone will be able to pick up a free card at their local hospital. On it is a barcode specific to that hospital's charitable trust.

After registering the card, holders can use it when they shop online. Retailers will then donate half the card company's commission direct to the trust. The other half of the commission will go towards the running costs of the scheme.

There are also plans to introduce the card to High Street stores in the near future. Cards will be swiped at the till and customers will be able to see the size of each donation on the receipt.

The new cards will be available at hospitals from next Thursday.