Tigers are urging supporters to join the campaign and safeguard children's heart services at Glenfield Hospital, which is currently under threat as part of a national review.
Under the four options being put to the public, some of the existing centres will no longer carry out operations.
The East Midlands Congenital Heart Centre (EMCHC), at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, is included in just one of the four options. The centre, which already serves a population of nearly five million, is in ‘option A’ which was rated the highest scoring option by the expert review team.
Tigers player Geoff Parling said: "We have always supported Leicester's Hospitals and last year we went to the children’s wards at Glenfield Hospital where we saw first hand what a great job they are doing.
"It's important that local services are safeguarded for young patients who have undergone care there as well as for future children who might need the lifesaving service.”
A public consultation is now underway which includes a consultation event on Thursday, June 16 at the Walkers Stadium.
Giles Peek, head of the centre at Glenfield Hospital, said: "We are delighted to be supported by Leicester Tigers and urge all their fans to join them by registering their support online."
You can fill in the consultation feedback form to support option A on the website at www.specialisedservices.nhs.uk/safe_sustainable/public-consultation-2011.
To register for the consultation event and to view the consultation feedback form click on the heart on the hospital website www.uhl-tr.nhs.uk
Fans can also show support at Welford Road this Saturday by holding up Hold On To Our Hearts logos ahead of kick-off in the Aviva Premiership semi-final between Tigers and Northampton Saints.
