ALMOST 2,000 people have now thrown their weight behind the fight to save vital treatment received by heart patients across Hampshire.

Copies of a petition to save the rehabilitation classes that help patients recover from heart conditions have been given to residents and businesses throughout the city, with people eager to sign them.

A Daily Echo-backed campaign was launched after it was revealed that the classes, held at leisure centres around Southampton and the Waterside, were being axed as part of a multi-million-pound cost-cutting drive by Southampton's NHS trust.

The last class took place last Tuesday but the fight to reinstate them is growing stronger by the day.

Health bosses say the move will save about £20,000 - a fraction of the £15m savings target.

Heart patients from across the city also insist cutting the classes will cost the NHS much more in the long run, because without the proper aftercare dozens of people could end up back in hospital.

In less than three weeks since the campaign was launched almost 2,000 people - heart patients and other concerned members of the public - have signed the petition.

Copies have been sent to shops, restaurants, colleges and doctors surgeries across Southampton and the Waterside and are being quickly filled up with signatures.

Former cardiac patient Anne Fry, who has organised an action group as part of the campaign, said: "We have petitions out everywhere.

"I am sure we will have more than 2,500 signatures by the end of the week. No one has refused to sign. In fact people are virtually fighting to sign it. I can't keep up with all the people asking for copies."

Campaigners intend to keep collecting signatures until Southampton Itchen Labour MP John Denham meets with the chief executive of Southampton's NHS trust next month to discuss the trust's financial situation. The Labour MP has pledged to raise the issue of the cardiac classes during the meeting.

"If he doesn't get the right answer we might have to think about some sort of demonstration," said Mrs Fry. "We will not give up on this."