PLANS to build a dedicated breast care unit are a step closer after the fundraising campaign has reached the half way point.

£905,171 has been raised to help fund the unit, which will be based at Worcester Royal hospital, but is for all Worcestershire residents.

Once completed it is hoped the unit will stop people having to be referred out of the county and enable results to be received immediately.

The campaign, which began in 2007, needs to raise £1.8 million.

Geoff Howard, campaign director, said: “The support from the community throughout Worcestershire has been fantastic and continues to grow.

“Now that we have reached the important halfway point we will be able to go out to the national grant-making trusts and foundations.

“Such funders are reluctant to come on board in the early days, but are likely to be encouraged to support the campaign given this evidence of a groundswell of local support.”

Donations so far have come from local trusts, private individuals, business sponsorships and national trusts.

For more information or to get involved, visit call 01905 733786 or visit everybodyknowssomebody.co.uk.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/worcestershirehospital-breastunit/donate.