THE appeal for vital funds to modernise a cancer unit at Kidderminster Hospital has raised £100,000 – two-thirds of the money required – just seven months after it was launched.

The Shuttle and the hospital’s League of Friends have been staggered by the response since they set up the project in February.

The total has hit £101,681, thanks to generous donations from Shuttle readers and hundreds of fund-raising events across Wyre Forest and beyond.

The League of Friends has given £100,000 to the £250,000 project, with the community rising to the challenge of financing the remainder.

“We’re absolutely over the moon – it’s amazing in the economic climate,” said David Wase, Friends chairman. “We’ve had support from all aspects of the community, from schoolchildren to the older generation. We never expected to reach £100,000 this quickly and we’re so grateful.”

The Millbrook Suite, created in 1998, needs the money for refurbishment and new equipment.

The Friends and the Shuttle are asking people to support the appeal to enable the unit to treat cancer patients in more comfortable and modern surroundings.

Refurbishment work is set to start at the end of November, using money already raised, and the Shuttle is now urging readers to give the appeal a “final push”.

Since the launch on February 26, residents have dug deep, with thousands of pounds flying into the appeal every week. Personal donations have been as large as £500, while events such as Kidderminster Carnival have raised up to £2,500.

John Rostill, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “It never ceases to surprise me that people are not only so supportive of local services but are so innovative in their fund-raising ideas and so generous.

“I am truly amazed that in the current economic climate two-thirds of the money for the refurbishment of the Millbrook Suite has already been collected and would like to thank all those who have contributed for their efforts.”

The money will be used to upgrade and extend the suite, with more consulting areas, new furniture and increased waiting space for families and partners.

Tammie Dudley, a sister at the unit, said: “People have been so generous and the whole appeal has been amazing.”