HAVING saved the lives of hundreds of patients fighting blood cancer, one Southampton doctor knows more than most how vital a specialist unit is to ensure successful treatment.

So Matthew Jenner is urging Daily Echo readers to get behind the Final Push campaign to make the dream of a state-of-the-art treatment centre at Southampton General Hospital a reality.

Although enough money has been raised through the Daily Echo-backed Red & White Appeal to begin construction of the haematology day treatment unit, a further £250,000 is needed to smash the £1.76m target so it can be completed and ready to open in the spring.

Consultant haematologist Mr Jenner said: “We are delighted that work can now begin on this purpose-built facility which will prove vital for patients living with blood conditions such as leukaemia and myeloma.

“However, in order for patients to be able to benefit from these new facilities as quickly as possible, we need to have reached the fundraising target of £1.76m, therefore we’re appealing to the public to extend their generosity and support that little bit further to help us reach our goal.”

Suzie Simmons, one of the fundraising officers behind the Red & White Appeal, said: “We have received a huge amount of support from the public for this appeal and we are so grateful.”