MUCH publicity has been given to the new coronary care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

While I applaud the work of the department (gleaned from family experience in February 2003), and the large donation from the new owner of Bolton Wanderers, Eddie Davies (Bolton Evening News, January 9), may I draw your readers' attention to another department, rarely mentioned, but equally deserving of donations.

I refer to the Stroke Unit. The word "stroke" is far too gentle a word to describe this heartbreaking illness. Stroke deprives a person of speech, of memory, of movement -- and all of this happening in a second.

The simplest tasks take months to re-learn.

Each movement or word is like climbing a mountain. A roller-coaster of emotions accompany these physical symptoms. "Stroke" is a devastating, life-changing blow for patient and family.

The Stroke Unit is desperately short of money for vital equipment. It is manned by a dedicated group of people who work tirelessly as a team with good humour, encouragement and love. Their care is exemplary and their aim is to restore lives back to victims and their loved ones.

If you feel you can help financially, please send donations to, or contact, Chris Walsh, Stroke Unit, Royal Bolton Hospital. Thank you in anticipation.

(Name and address supplied)