WESSEX Heartbeat is attracting increasing interest from the business community with its Corporate Friends for Life scheme providing support worth almost £100,000 each year.

South coast-based town planning consultancy Terence O'Rourke is one of the latest of 16 Gold Friends who are happy to give long-term commitment to the charity.

Terence O'Rourke operates nationwide and alongside town planning consultancy also specialises in urban design, environmental consultancy, landscape architecture, architecture and graphic design. Managing director Terry O'Rourke says that the sponsorship allows his company to make an important contribution to the local community because heart disease touches so many people in the area and Wessex Heartbeat has made such a difference to the facilities and care available to them.

"We've been extremely impressed by the dedication and commitment that the charity shows, and we're delighted to be able to contribute to the development and maintenance of what has become one of the leading cardiac units in Europe," said Terry.

Peter Wickham is the charity's fundraising manager.

It is now in its tenth year, and Peter says everyone acknowledges that Wessex Heartbeat has made an extraordinary difference.

He said: "With the Wessex Cardiac Unit increasing in size by 50 per cent over the next three years the generous support of companies like Terence O'Rourke will be invaluable in helping us ensure that more people across the region have access to the finest and most comprehensive cardiac care possible."