WE'RE nearly there! The Daily Echo backed appeal to raise £1m to fund a cancer information and support centre at Southampton General Hospital has almost reached its target.

Today we can reveal the total raised now stands at just over £805,000.

Scores of local groups, businesses and individuals have helped raise the massive amount by organising everything from sponsored runs and silences to coffee mornings and sausage sizzles.

Building work on the state-of-the-art centre is now almost complete, with all the interior doors now built and both electricity and water supplies connected.

The facility is due to open its doors by the end of the spring.

Today fundraisers from Macmillan Cancer Relief issued a huge "thank you" to everyone who has helped so far with the charity's South Hampshire Appeal.

Connie McConachie, appeal manager, said: "When I visited the site, I was so excited to see the building almost complete.

"To have nearly reached our £1m target is a testament to the many people who have turned their donations into bricks and mortar.

"Although we still have a long way to go, I am confident we will be on target for completion by late spring."

The centre will provide support for hundreds of local people affected by cancer.

Designed to offer a homely atmosphere, it is being built and decorated in complete contrast to the stark wards and cold hospital corridors so often associated with cancer care.

Facilities will include complementary therapies, support groups, information leaflets, Internet access, Macmillan staff, stylish wigs and headgear and advice about patient grants and state benefits.

The centre is also expected to serve as a useful resource for hospital staff and health workers in the community.

To find out how you can help the appeal, telephone Macmillan Cancer Relief on 023 8023 6367.