THE appeal for a new MRI scanner for Blackpool Victoria Hospital has got off to a flying start.

More than £235,000 has already been raised for the £1.9 million life-saving campaign which was given a spectacular celebrity launch at Blackpool Tower Circus.

And the figure looks set to get even higher in the near future with a variety of celebrities, including Tracy Dawson and Mo Moreland, pledging their support and a host of fundraising events planned.

Appeal spokesman Dr Ramesh Ghandi commented: "Most donations have come to us directly from people wanting to help, but we have also written to many big companies, most of which have given a very positive response.

"There are also many fundraising events planned for the future, the first being a party in the park which will be held in August in Stanley Park.

"Additionally, we have contacted the National Lottery to help with the funding.

The appeal target is £1.9 million - £750,000 of which will pay for the MRI scanner itself and the remainder for housing the machine and paying for its maintenance over five years.

MRI, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, first came into use ten years ago and is an essential piece of machinery which will take Victoria Hospital into the next millennium with a reputation of excellence in diagnostic success.

Dr Ghandi said: "The scanner is vital for Blackpool not only for people who live here, but for the millions of visitors we get every year.

"Early diagnosis of any disease is extremely important - it could mean the difference between life and death."

He added: "We want people visiting Blackpool to know we have the most advanced hospital in the North West."

All donations should be sent to Blackpool Victoria Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal, Furness Drive, Poulton-Le-Fylde FY6 8JT.

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