Supporters of a mothballed Cobham hospital called time on their fundraising and wound up operations at an extraordinary general meeting last week.

The Friends of Cobham Cottage Hospital used the meeting to discuss where they should transfer their funds on Thursday, September 8.

They heard representations from Princess Alice Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal Surrey Hospital, and members agreed they were happy to help them by transferring their funds to them.

After 35 years of fundraising, the friends were left with no further options when the Cottage Hospital was built, ready for its official opening, and NHS Surrey pulled the plug because it was not economical to operate due to size.

The friends then wrote to the Charities Commission for permission to designate a £210,000 legacy donated to the friends, on the understanding it would be spent on the hospital, to other charities.

Committee member Howard MacDonald said: “It is sad that we have to terminate our excellent activities as the Friends of Cobham Cottage Hospital.

“We wouldn’t need to do this if NHS Surrey had delivered on its promises.

“The Charities Commission has certified that this is the correct action to take in these circumstances, and so that is what we should do.”