CAMPAIGNERS for a dedicated breast unit in Worcestershire are celebrating after reaching a significant milestone in their fund-raising efforts.

Your Worcester News is supporting campaign to raise £2.5 million the unit and we are delighted to reveal that the total has now passed the £250,000 mark.

The new centre, which will cut waiting times in half, would be in an existing building in Newtown Road, near the Charles Hastings Education Centre in the grounds of Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The campaign has more that 60 patrons representing all sections of the community, including breast cancer survivors.

Lead patrons are Worcestershire cricket legend Graeme Hick and Michael Brinton, the Lord Lieutenant of the county.

Your Worcester News editor Kevin Ward is also a patron of the charity.

Campaign director Geoff Howard described the fund-raising efforts to date as “amazing”. He said: “Reaching our first quarter of a million is a fantastic milestone and we are pushing very closely towards £300,000.

“The support from readers of the Worcester News has been absolutely terrific. We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to them for all their contributions. Thousands of people have really dug deep to support the campaign.

“There has been an unbelievable range of activities and fund-raising events that have made a huge difference to the total we have received so far. Some people have even committed to making regular donations by setting up standing orders with their banks.”

Some of the fund-raising efforts over the past year have included £10,000 raised by the Upton Doctors Surgery, more than £4,000 from the Upper Sapey Golf Club and a £3,000 donation raised by Clydesdale bank.

Supporters have got involved in numerous fun runs, charity headshaves, dinner evenings and live music events.

Players and staff from the Worcester Warriors Rugby Club have also been involved in a number of charity and fund-raising efforts.

Revealing but tasteful pictures of breast cancer survivors feature in a special 2010 calendar which is raising funds for the appeal.

Mr Howard said: “The calendar is selling really well which has continued to bring funds in at the start of this year. Support for the campaign is building up every day, it hasn’t dwindled at all, which is brilliant.

“Even though we have reached an impressive milestone we will continue to work hard.

“There are a range of new fund-raising initiatives and plans for this year, which will help us to keep pushing onto our goal including the ‘Breast Fest’ music festival at Sixways in April.

“We hope everyone can keep up the good work.”

Donation forms can be downloaded at worcester news.co.uk/breastunitappeal or visit everybodyknowssomebody.co.uk for more information.