GOLF ace Justin Rose is to "give a little back" to Basingstoke hospital - where his late dad was treated during his battle with leukaemia - by becoming the patron of a charity appeal to build a new cancer ward.

Justin, 22, who recently returned to England from playing in the US Masters, took time out to visit Basingstoke hospital and pledge his support for the Basingstoke Brighter Days Appeal.

The hospital is familiar to him and his family. His father, Ken Rose, was treated there for his leukaemia before he died last September, aged 57.

Justin, who used to live in Hook and still has a family home in north Hampshire, told The Gazette: "The appeal is close to my heart. My dad spent a lot of time in Basingstoke hospital, so I want to do anything I can to help.

"They did a great job for my dad with the facilities they had available, but the hospital would really benefit from improved facilities. Obviously my dad didn't make it, but they did their very best for him and it's good to give a little back."

Justin also appealed to anyone who can, to give money for the ward. "It helps no end, but it also makes you feel good about yourself," he said.

The new ward will improve conditions for cancer sufferers in the hospital, putting most of them in isolation because they are particularly vulnerable to infection.

As patron, Justin will be trying to raise money for the appeal to fund this unit and boost its profile. He is also going to take part in a charity golf day at Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke, on June 18, and will be starting up his own cancer charity, the Ken Rose Fund.

Basingstoke police are heavily involved in the fundraising effort for the hospital ward. Detective Constable Alan Ferguson, who is organising the golf day, said: "It's pivotal to the day that Justin is coming. He is top ranking within the golfing world, so for him to support us on a local issue for local people, is a fantastic success."

The golf day costs £50, which will also include dinner and a prize ceremony, and tickets or sponsorship can be organised by contacting Det Con Ferguson at Basingstoke police on 0845 045 45 45.

The first charity event for the Basingstoke Brighter Days Appeal will be an ex-Reading XI versus an ex-Southampton XI football match, at The Camrose, which kicks off at 7.30pm this Friday.

Tickets can be bought on the gate, at Basingstoke police station or from The Gazette's Church Street offices.