IT is the UK’s leading mapping agency with more than 1,000 Hampshire employees.

Now Ordnance Survey is throwing its weight behind the Daily Echo-backed Red & White appeal.

Bosses are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the charity during the next 12 months, which will go towards a desperately- needed new unit for blood cancer patients in Hampshire.

The mapping agency, which is based in Adanac Park, Nursling, will hold fundraising events throughout the year for the charity – and has got efforts off to a bumper start with a lunchtime quiz that raised more than £200.

Last year, staff raised a total of £20,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care and it is hoped that they will be able to make a significant contribution towards the Red & White appeal’s £1.76m target.

A dedicated unit is needed in Southampton because blood cancer patient numbers have increased and clinics have become overcrowded.

It is also vital that haematology patients, who often have low immune systems, are kept away from other hospital users.

Ordnance Survey hopes to buy six hitech infusion pumps for the new unit, which cost £1,500 each.

Julie Sellers, the agency’s fundraising co-ordinator, said: “Ordnance Survey is delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile Southampton charity.

“Our staff have always rose to the challenge in supporting local charities and this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people suffering from blood disorders.

“We hope that the money we raise will help the charity’s aim to build a new unit for patients.”

Ordnance Survey is also set to matchfund the first £2,000 raised by staff.

Charity director Veryan Grant said: “We cannot raise the funds that we need without the fantastic support of local businesses and the community.

“With the help of employees at Ordnance Survey and their friends and families we can make a huge difference to the facilities provided for patients who regularly visit the hospital for lifesaving treatments.”