THE appeal to raise enough cash to create Lancaster's very own specialist cancer unit is up and running. And the first day of the Macmillan Appeal to build the £850,000 centre at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary got off to a bumper start last week after generous donations began flooding in. A large chunk of the £850,000 target was was already sliced off at the launch after local fund-raisers handed over cheques totalling £35,000.

The urgently needed cash is set to transform the old casualty department at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary into a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre for local sufferers.

Appeals manager Alma Carruthers told the Citizen: "We can make a huge difference to the lives of patients with these enhanced facilities but we cannot do it without the help of generous individuals, societies, companies, schools and clubs."

"£35,000 was given at the launch today and I have no doubt that people are going to support us. Traditionally people in this area have always been very supportive and I hope they will come up trumps again."

Health bosses hope to raise the cash during the next 12 to 18 months and work could get underway by next January. If you want to arrange your own fund-raising ideas ring (01524) 583000 or visit the appeal office on the first floor of the RLI, Monday-Friday, between 10.30am-4pm.

Your local Citizen will be coming up with some amazing fund-raising ideas over the next few months to help to boost the campaign. Watch this space during the next few weeks to see how you can help, or give us a call on 382121 with your ideas.

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