TODAY the Bolton Evening News launches a campaign to help raise £1million to build a new cardiac support unit.

We have joined forces with the Royal Bolton Hospital to raise the cash to build the 10-bed unit by June 2003.

Bolton has one of the highest heart attack rates in England and there are not enough beds in its coronary care unit to cope.

Experts say that to wait for government funding, which could take almost 10 years, could cost lives.

It is hoped that work on the unit will begin in December, to be ready for its first patients by June 2003. The hospital has already pledged £150,000.

Tonight the campaign will be officially launched at the Reebok Stadium's Platinum Suite, where companies will be invited to pledge their support.

Mr Peter Liptrott, chairman of the Bolton NHS Hospitals Trust, said: "The hospital is caring for an increasing number of people with heart disease and the unit is simply not big enough."

Dr Peter Scott, lead heart consultant at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "I firmly believe that the proposals for the new unit will enable me and the rest of the coronary care team to help many more patients. We would greatly appreciate your support."

Mr Steve Hughes, editor-in-chief of the Bolton Evening News, said: "The Bolton Evening News is delighted to back this appeal. A new heart unit is desperately needed and will make a real difference to people's lives. I know the people of Bolton will give it their support."

Click HERE for more background reports and pictures about our appeal