A HAMPSHIRE hospital has started the new year with a funding boost after a donations from a housing provider.

Southampton Hospital Charity collected £17,000 from Barratt Homes after the firm had been fundraising throughout 2017 for the Hamwic Oncology Ward at Southampton General Hospital.

A total of £17,817 was raised through a combination of a charity golf day and contributed funding from Barratt Homes, who have a series of developments across the county.

A sister on the ward, Caley Hockaday, said: "It was a real surprise when we heard how much had been raised, we really didn't expect it.

"This amount of money can make a real difference to enhance the services the hospital provides for our patients, so we're extremely grateful to Barratt Homes and everyone for getting involved."

The cheque was handed over by Barratt Homes' Richard Langton, who recently received treatment on the ward.

Richard said: "I've seen first-hand what an incredible job all the staff do, so it was an honour to hand over this donation. I know it'll go to very good use."