Charitable givers are calling for the public to donate towards a new specialist transplant unit at a London hospital.

Members of lions clubs across Kent are supporting the Lions International Blood Research Appeal (LIBRA).

LIBRA is calling for help to raise £53,000 towards equipment for a new Ambulatory Transplant Unit at King's College Hospital, London.

The unit will help the hospital's haematology department to perform bone marrow and stem cell transplants.

It will be incorporated into the hospital's Davidson Ward, which is a transplant and chemotherapy ward that specialises in the treatment of patients with blood cancers and disorders.

Michael Adams, Tonbridge lion and LIBRA trustee, said: "The new Ambulatory Transplant Unit will make a huge difference to patient care at King’s.

"Patients will attend daily for treatment with chemotherapy as part of their transplant protocol, blood checks, transfusions and any other care required as part of the transplant process.

"It is important that we raise the funds required as this unit will really benefit patients who need specialist care.

"We hope that the general public will be inspired to fundraise and donate to this worthy cause."

Patients will be able to return to on-site accommodation following their treatment, giving them more independence.

The hospital hopes this will improve the patient experience.

Victoria Potter, a haematology consultant at the hospital, said: "The equipment we urgently need funding for is vital for the set-up and daily functioning of the unit and hence will greatly advance patient care.

"As health professionals involved in the care of patients going through a very difficult time we look forward to the opening of the Ambulatory Transplant Unit at King’s College Hospital as we continue to strive to be at the forefront of innovative and holistic patient-centred care."