Singapore: The University of Otago Christchurch Appeal got off to a flying start with a $5 million donation to its Christchurch Heart Institute fund.

The appeal raises money for four of the best research and teaching projects at the University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. The donation, made anonymously, is one of the largest by an individual to the University of Otago.

"Our donor recognizes that research, such as the work carried out at the University of Otago, Christchurch, is the only way to make breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of conditions such as heart disease, which affect so many families," said Dean Professor Peter Joyce, University of Otago, Christchurch.

The $5 million grant will go towards the Christchurch Heart Institute's world-leading work in discovery and development of new tests and treatments for various forms of heart disease. Over the past 25 years the Christchurch Heart Institute (formerly known as the Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group) has made ground-breaking discoveries. It has patents on a number of cutting-edge potential tests and treatments. One example of its work is the development of a blood test to diagnose and monitor heart failure.