That is the message coming from the Ace of Hearts charity organisers, as they nudge closer to the target of £1m for a new cardiac suite in Salisbury.

And with the total now standing at £755,000, the hospital charity Share is urging people to send in the money they have pledged so far, as local groups and organisations continue to raise funds right up to Christmas.

At the weekend, a signed England Rugby shirt fetched £4,250 from Martin Quigley, of MQL Developments, on air as Spire FM and its listeners did their bit to back the campaign.

Separate cash collections by Share volunteers and the Salisbury Rotarians netted another £3,000.

One young man with a heart complaint even made a special visit to the bank, so that he could drop a £50 note into the fundraiser's bucket.

Sally Peaty, director of fundraising for Share, said: "We can't believe the generosity and commitment of local people, as they continue to show their support for the appeal."

"Our thanks must go to the Amesbury Rotarians, who have just donated £1,000 from their Light Up A Life community appeal, and this was matched with a second donation from the Wilton Rotarians, following an enjoyable evening spent at the charity dinner and auction."

Mrs Peaty added: "We should like to thank the 200 pubs that took part in the Drinks On Me campaign and, although we haven't got a final total from this part of the campaign, we know that it has been well supported over the 'one million second' intensive fundraising period.

"We would also like to thank the Salisbury League of Friends, who made an outstanding donation of £25,000 through sales made at the League of Friends shop, in the front entrance at Salisbury District Hospital, and ward trolley rounds and legacies."

The £1m raised will pay for the capital costs of the cardiac suite, which will be based within the north wing of the hospital.

The NHS has agreed to match the funds by providing a further £1m over 10 years for the running costs.

The cardiac suite will house sophisticated digital X-ray equipment, an examination room, a purpose-built relaxation and recovery room and a conference facility.

It is not too late to support the hospital's charity Share, which is encouraging the community to support the Ace of Hearts Appeal by getting involved by either making pledges or staging events. Call 01722 429005 or complete a response form and make a pledge - Share, c/o Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8BJ, e-mail: sharecharity@salisbury.nhs.uk.

Forthcoming events:

Dance '60's style to Ricky Vernon & The Pathfinders, Mike Ireland (The Shadows) and Yan & Pat (Pay Day), at Winterslow village hall, Friday, January 23, 8pm. Tickets: £10 each, from Central Stores Winterslow and Nu-Clean, Salisbury.

Physical Challenge to be organised by L A Fitness in the New Year. Call 01722 321808 for details.