A HEART scanner appeal has received a major boost, with a council chairman donating £500.

The Heart of Durham appeal, to raise £47,923 to buy a new 2D Echocardiogram machine for the University Hospital of North Durham (UHND), in Durham City, has been gathering pace since it was launched by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) charity last month.

Now Durham County Council chairman Brian Myers has donated £500 to the cause.

The money comes from the chairman’s charity fund, generated by events and fundraisers supported by Coun Myers in the role.

Coun Myers said: "As always, I have the interest of the residents of County Durham at heart and I am very happy to make a donation to the Heart of Durham appeal from the chairman’s charity fund, that represents monies we have raised to promote health and well-being of County Durham people.

"Early detection of symptoms of heart disease is a major factor in the fight against coronary disease and it gives me pleasure to make a donation of £500 to help launch the appeal."

The Northern Echo and Coun Myers are working together on the Limbs 4 Lyndon, to buy new prosthetic limbs for Paralympic hopeful Lyndon Longhorne.

Coun Myers has also supported club singer Chyrelle Adams’ breast cancer appeal, the Cumbria Flood Appeal and other causes.

He said: "Durham people are extremely generous, as the recent Limbs for Lyndon appeal has demonstrated, and I urge Northern Echo readers to support this worthwhile cause (Heart of Durham appeal)."

The appeal aims to buy a fourth heart scanner for UHND, cutting waiting times from four-and-a-half weeks to three weeks and extending care into communities across north Durham.

Appeal manager Fiona Turner said: "I would like to say a very special thank you to Coun Myers for giving us a great start for 2010 and our Heart of Durham appeal.

"With the support of local people, I am sure we can make this happen."

To support the appeal, call Fiona Turner on 01642-562-162 or email: turnerf@bhf.org.uk Donations can also made through the Chairman’s Office, County Hall, Durham.