Fundraisers are celebrating after raising £500,000 for a new multi-million pound hospice in just ten weeks.

The cash will go towards the £5 million target needed to build a new Marie Curie Centre in Leeds Road, Bradford.

The appeal, launched in March, was given a major boost after a mystery donor donated £200,000.

Bradford businesses Grattan and Sovereign Health Care, pledged £100,000 and a Trust Fund has also donated £100,000.

Fund-raiser Brian Curran said: "This is fantastic news and gives the fund-raising team a real boost.

"However we must not rest on our laurels and I feel the hard work starts now.

"We still have a challenge to meet and I would appeal for everyone to help us."

The massive appeal will be used to create the country's most modern hospice's in 2001.

At least a £1 million is expected to be raised locally and the remaining £4 million will come from the proceeds of the Marie Curie national 50th anniversary Daffodil appeal.

The new centre will offer palliative care for approximately 600 new cancer patients and their families each year and it will replace the outdated Ardenlea Centre in Ilkley.

The new centre will incorporate a wide range of facilities including:

In-patient day care - most rooms will be single with en suite facilities.

Rehabilitation and Terminal Care - treatments available will include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Terminal care will be carried out when there is no appropriate care at home.

Home Support - Staff will work closely with Bradford Community Palliative Care Team in order for people to be looked after at home and there will be a bereavement service for children and adults.

Mr Curran said he had no doubts that with the community's support the appeal would successfully smash its target.

"Whether you participate in our events or organise your own we will be getting near our target," he said.

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