14 February 2011 Last updated at 17:10 ET

'Heart donor' boost for Leicester research centre

The sculpture was created by artist Diane Maclean

A fundraising campaign for a new cardiovascular research centre in Leicester has received a boost from an anonymous "heart donor".

The steel sculpture Stranded Heart has been donated to the University of Leicester to symbolise its bid to build the £12.6m Glenfield Hospital facility.

The university is spending £8m on the project but needs to raise another £4m.

It is hoped the sculpture will eventually go on display at the completed centre.

Professor Nilesh Samani, head of the university's department of cardiovascular sciences, said: "We are all delighted that such generosity on the part of the donor has enabled the university to buy this sculpture, which will eventually adorn the new cardiovascular research centre.

"The centre will undertake leading research in heart disease and further Leicester's reputation as a centre of excellence in cardiovascular research."

Stranded Heart was created by artist Diane Maclean, who agreed to sell the sculpture at cost.

She said: "My father was a cardiac surgeon, so I understand the importance of the new cardiovascular research centre and want to support it.

"I was delighted to forego my commission and offer my work to the university at cost in order to encourage this effort."