MORE than £2 million has already been raised by a Southampton children's charity for a state-of-the-art disabled unit due to be named after Diana, Princess of Wales.

Bosses of the Rose Road appeal, aimed at helping hundreds of youngsters, are almost halfway towards their £4.5 million target.

They have revealed the remarkable success on the eve of the second anniversary of the princess's death next Tuesday.

Southampton street collections raised £40,000 on Rose Road Day in February, adding to dozens of donations from individuals and groups.

Appeal director Jan Webber said the astonishing community response would help make the case for larger donations.

She said: "The level of support is absolutely vital to us, doubly so as we are putting together some major applications to charitable trusts.

"They need to know that the community has confidence in the project. Every small amount given helps to open the door to bigger donations."

Mrs Webber said the appeal was on target to achieve funding for the centre of excellence at Aldermoor by the end of next year.

The unit would replace the existing 30-year-old inner-city base, where staff work in cramped conditions to support children and young adults with multiple disabilities and health needs. The new centre, designed as one of Britain's leading disability units, would include 12 respite beds and offer support to up to 120 families.

Last year civic leaders urged residents to mark the anniversary of Diana's death by donating to the appeal.

Mrs Webber said she would welcome any further contributions on the same basis. She said: "If people feel that they want to mark her death with a donation to Rose Road that would be great."

The mayor of Southampton, Derek Burke, said local people had taken Rose Road to their hearts, and it had also won support from a wide range of partners including the city council.

He said: "This is a very important cause. The future of young people is something we should always work hard for. They need some extra help and support and it is right that we should all make a special effort to see that they are receiving it."

Preparations are already under way for next year's Rose Road Day, which will be held on Friday, February 11.

Organisers of a number of millennium parties have also expressed interest in making donations, and a series of coffee mornings is being organised. The appeal hotline number is 01703 393993.

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