BIG-hearted healthcare insurers have donated £30,000 to fund cancer care for youngsters at Southampton General Hospital.

The donation was made on Tuesday by Norwich Union Healthcare as the company unveiled its new cancer claims service.

Macmillan Cancer Support will use the donation to fund a nurse and consultant for teenagers and young adults cared for at the hospital.

This is not the first time the insurance giant has donated money to Macmillan - a donation from Norwich Union Healthcare previously helped fund the building of the Macmillan Support and Information Centre at the hospital.

Peter Cardy, chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Macmillan improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We are delighted that Norwich Union Healthcare customers are being encouraged to access the practical, medical, emotional and financial support we provide."

The dedicated cancer care claims team will give customers access to a range of information services and work closely with doctors and hospitals.

Steve Moody, oncology claims manager, said: "We recognise the serious impact a cancer diagnosis can have on someone's life. We are delighted that this team has now grown substantially and we are able to offer this service to all our customers.

"We have added to the existing group of nurses and advisers to create a team with a vast wealth of knowledge and experience in managing cancer cases."