BOLTON'S Coronary Care Appeal now stands an an impressive £530,000.

A fantastic response from people of all ages means the Bolton Evening News appeal is well on its way to the £1 million target.

But now extra effort is needed to tip the balance which will give Bolton a new cardiac support unit based at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Many groups, clubs and individuals have leapt at the chance to support the appeal.

Coffee mornings, sponsored swims and slims has meant the money has come pouring in -- but more is still needed.

It is hoped that further donations will come from Bolton Wanderers after they have adopted the charity for next season.

Jenny Walsh, the appeal manager, said that as well as receiving funds from some major donors, local people had responded brilliantly.

She said: "We've had donations ranging from a few pounds to several hundred and we welcome them all.

"I'd like to say a special thank-you to those people who made donations in memory of a loved one. We've been very touched that they have chosen our appeal for this.

"We're also very pleased that a number of people have got together and held fund-raising or sponsored events ranging from running the London Marathon to holding coffee mornings.

"Now we need to ask people to really put their energy into helping us get the other £500,000 so we can get this new unit up and running and helping more patients."

What are we raising funds for?

BOLTON has one of the highest levels of heart disease in the country.

The Royal Bolton Hospital has six beds open 24 hours a day and last year 570 patients stayed on the coronary care unit (CCU)-- 318 had suffered a heart attack.

Unfortunately, not all patients who have a heart attack can currently be treated on CCU.

The appeal funds will be used for the building of a new unit with a total of 10 beds, including two step-down beds. A large nurses' station will be central from which all patients will be visible. There will also be a separate relatives' room for the close friends and family of patients.

At the moment, office space is also cramped, dark and gloomy. The new unit will have modern offices for nurses to carry out their work.

The number of medical admissions in Bolton has increased by more than 60 per cent.

Poor diet, lifestyle and some genetic factors can be responsible for the high heart attack figures in Bolton.