New £1.5m Jigsaw appeal in aid of women's unit (From Bournemouth Echo)

New £1.5m Jigsaw appeal in aid of women's unit

9:00am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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A NEW charity appeal to help improve the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s Women’s Unit is being launched today by Fiona Castle and some former patients.

The Jigsaw Appeal for Women aims to raise £1.5 million by the summer of 2012 to transform the unit, which offers breast and gynaecological care.

Mrs Castle, who lost her entertainer husband Roy to cancer, described the unit as “somewhere that so many women look to for help and support during a time of fear and uncertainty”.

She and former Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hardy, who comes from Bournemouth and had ear cancer when she was younger, are both patrons of the appeal.

Mrs Castle said: “I’ve had the privilege of benefiting from wonderful NHS support. That’s why I’m involved today.”

The launch was due to take place this morning with the unveiling of a new car raffle prize. Tickets for the £16,000-plus car cost £5 each and the winner will be announced just before Christmas.

The first event of the appeal, a fashion show and dinner tonight at the Captain’s Club Hotel, is sold out.

Breast consultant Dexter Perry plans to run his first London Marathon for the appeal next month, while obstetrician and gynaecologist Alexander Taylor will be taking part in a trek in Egypt in October.

Among services offered by the unit are breast and gynaecological surgery, early pregnancy clinics and hormone replacement clinics.

For further information about the appeal, including how to make a donation or to find out about future events, call 01202 704060 or visit jigsawappeal .org.uk.