The Bolton Evening News has launched an appeal to raise £1m to build a new 10 bed Coronary Care Unit for the town.

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

The appeal, in conjunction with the Royal Bolton Hospital, was launched with a front page splash and two inside pages, by health reporter Gayle Evans.

There was also a glittering launch ceremony at the Reebok, the home of Bolton Wanderers football club who will adopt the appeal.

Some of their stars were at the launch along with MPs and leading business figures in the community who praised the paper.

Helping kick off the appeal was Julie Taylor, partner of a former Wanderers player, who suffers from a rare condition which resulted in her heart being stopped and started four times by staff at a coronary unit while she was pregnant.

Within 24 hours the appeal reached £350,000 including £50,000 from local business Warburtons, of the bread fame, and a £150,000 pledge from the hospital.

Bolton Evening News editor Steve Hughes said the paper had got involved because it had its roots in the community and wanted to put something back.

He added: “The BEN is delighted to back the 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.”

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