A WEBSITE has been launched to support a new appeal which will help free crucial intensive care beds at Southampton's specialist neurological unit.

Smile4Rich aims to raise £80,000 to fund an ambulance for the Wessex Neurological Centre based at Southampton General Hospital.

The campaign was launched in memory of 15-year-old Richard Bowler who died after suffering a massive brain haemorrhage while training with his local football team, the Sarisbury Sparks.

Now fundraisers behind the new ambulance appeal have created a website giving details of how individuals and businesses can help.

It is hoped the site will also prove a useful resource for patients and their families, providing them with details of where to find help and support.

Appeal co-ordinator Neil Westbrook stressed the campaign would help patients across the Wessex region, including Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands as well as Hampshire.

The ambulance would be used to return recovering patients to their home town hospitals - freeing up intensive care beds for those most in need.

With only 13 beds for a population of around three million people, doctors say a dedicated ambulance will help critically ill patients be treated swiftly.

The campaign has the full support of Richard's family, who pledged that his smile would never be forgotten.

Launching the appeal 100 weeks after Rich's tragic death in July 2002, his mum, Janice Bowler, of Locks Heath, said: "If you could have asked Rich what he'd want to happen in such circumstances, he'd have said 'help someone else avoid the same fate'.

"Having this ambulance will ensure that more patients can receive the treatment they need more quickly."

Dad Nick added: "Nothing will bring back Richie but hopefully this will allow something positive to come out of his death."

For more information contact Neil Westbrook on 01489 582259 or visit www.smile4rich.co.uk