A YOUNG person is rushed into hospital every month with a major heart problem they didn't know they had, said a Salisbury doctor this week.

The startling statistic, released by Salisbury District Hospital, is a warning that heart conditions do not affect only older people. Consultant cardiologist Dr Simon Biggart said: "It's a popular misconception."

The warning came as the hospital's charity Share stepped up its campaign to raise £1m for a new cardiac unit for the city.

The Ace of Hearts appeal currently stands at £600,000 and the other £400,000 is desperately needed by the end of December, if the lifesaving facility is to be ready by April 2004.

The £1m 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.

Over the next few weeks, in the run-up to Christmas, more than 200 pubs and clubs in Salisbury will take part in the Drinks On Me campaign, using Bill West collection boxes and beer mats.

Share director of fundraising Sally Peaty said: "It couldn't be easier. All you have to do is drop a couple of pounds in a box at the bar. And if everyone did that, we would have the rest of the money in no time. The sooner the unit is built, the sooner it can start to save lives."

The campaign has the full backing of Pub Watch and the LVA and will end at midnight on December 15.

To make a pledge to the appeal, to stage an event or if you run a pub/club and would like to support Drinks On Me, call 01722 429005 or write to Share, c/o Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8BJ. Ace of Hearts promotional films are also available. E-mail: sharecharity@salisbury.nhs.uk.