BUSINESSES and community groups have been quick to support the appeal to raise £750,000 for a new breast care unit at Salisbury District Hospital.

The campaign seeks to fund a purposebuilt unit that will benefit thousands of local women every year.

The new unit will mean that if a patient fears they have breast cancer, all their diagnostic tests can be carried out in the same area of the hospital.

It will also enable all women to receive the quickest possible diagnosis, and they can receive emotional support and follow-up care in a dedicated environment.

Already money is pouring in for the appeal, which has got off to the best possible start after being launched in The Journal two weeks ago.

Staff and regulars at the Silver Plough at Pitton have raised £3,301 for the campaign by holding a host of fundraising events.

Retiring landlords Stephen and Susan Keyes handed the cheque to staff from Salisbury District Hospital at a special presentation evening.

From hospital super stars to super cars – owners of the Gurston Down hill climb track Robert and Philip Hitchings organised an event for some of the country’s most desirable vehicles ahead of the Supercars day held at Wilton House last month.

The challenge raised £4,000 from drivers’ donations and the Queen’s Head in Broad Chalke added another £130 with a spur of the moment collection after they saw the super cars roaring by.

South West Trains has also got on board with the campaign by donating £750, the proceeds of an open day held at Salisbury station, to the appeal.

The cash was presented to specialist nurses this week.