MORE than �10,000 has been raised to help young heart patients at Ipswich Hospital.

MORE than �10,000 has been raised to help young heart patients at Ipswich Hospital.

In December the Happy Hearts campaign was launched in an effort to collect �45,000 to buy a baby's heart scanner for the hospital.

The vital machine would help provide fast diagnoses for youngsters with heart problems, such as four-year-old Harry Mitchell, pictured.

And the fundraising efforts are already well under way, with the Ipswich Bangladeshi Foundation (IBF) presenting �10,190 to the hospital after a multicultural dinner.

Bosher Ali, IBF member, said: "We had tremendous support from the community at the event. Despite the credit crunch people reached deep into their pockets.

“This is a wonderful cause and we look forward to supporting the hospital in the future."

Meanwhile Dr Pravin Desai, Ipswich Hospital's child health consultant, said: "This is a great springboard for our fundraising, where we hope to raise around �45,000.

“The scanner will make a huge difference to our younger patients and fundraising will continue with vigour until we hit the target.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to both the Ipswich Bangladeshi Foundation and the wider community who supported the event."

If you would like to support the Happy Hearts appeal for children at Ipswich Hospital contact Hazel Byford at the hospital on 01473 704372 or e-mail hazel.byford@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk.

Have you raised money for a good cause? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.