When in the summer of last year Haworth girl Sarah McKie lost her brave battle against breast cancer, shock waves reverberated across the nation.

At 19 years old Sarah had become one of the youngest people in the country to fall victim to the disease, and the heartfelt thoughts of a stunned public went out to her family.

It was perhaps impossible at that time to envisage how good could possibly come out of such a tragedy.

How gratifying and pleasing it is, therefore, to learn that the fund established in her memory is poised to reach its £100,000 target within weeks.

The contribution of everybody involved in the appeal -- from event organisers to people who bought a single raffle ticket -- has resulted in an absolutely remarkable achievement, and we salute them all.

Much inspiration has come from Sarah's parents. They have earned tremendous admiration and respect, not only for their courage and positive outlook in the days and weeks immediately following their daughter's death, when the public glare was intense, but for the way in which they have actively supported the months of fundraising.

The superb sum raised will make a huge difference to the treatment and facilities available to cancer patients in this district.

New equipment and a video conference suite, which will allow cancer experts to meet and share information, are on the shopping list.

But the benefits from the past year's remarkable fundraising effort should not be measured just in terms of material goods.

The campaign has also done a great deal to heighten awareness of breast cancer, more especially among young people.

It has helped youngsters appreciate that the disease is not just something their mothers or grandmothers could get, but that they too should be on their guard for any possible warning signs.

All in all, a legacy of which Sarah would surely be proud.