Dame Kelly Holmes joined Farnham-based trustees of The Lions International Blood Research Appeal (LIBRA) and haematology experts to celebrate the official opening of an enhanced unit for blood cancer patients at King’s College Hospital, London.

The Derek Mitchell Unit is a purpose-built chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant ward for young teens and adult patients.

LIBRA is the official haematology charity for King’s, backed by Lions Clubs International, and it has provided £100,000 of funding toward the vital enhancements.

Funds have been raised through its current Going for Gold campaign which was inspired by double Olympic gold medal winner Dame Kelly. The double gold medal winner lost her own mother Pam to myeloma just six years ago. During treatment, Pam received specialist care at King’s.