TWO hospitals in the North West are being told "thanks a million" by privatised giant United Utilities.

The company has given £500,000 each over the past four years to the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust at Alder Hey and the Christie Hospital, Manchester.

It is now challenging the hospital's employees to match the donation pound for pound.

Both hospitals have recently launched major appeals to fund new treatment facilities and research.

Alder Hey is aiming to raise £10 million for a new children's cancer unit and outpatients' department.

The Christie has set a target of £25 million by its centenary in 2001 so that it can offer patients state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and treatment while continuing its research into anti-cancer drugs.

United Utilities has issued the "double it" appeal to the hospital's 10,000 employees challenging them to match its donation by raising a further £1 million.

The company's chief executive Brian Staples, who has joined the Christie Appeal Committee, said: "The Christie Hospital is one of our region's most treasured institutions.

"Its work touches the lives of many families who have to face up to cancer."

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