THE Daily Echo-backed Jigsaw Cancer and Blood Disorders Appeal has passed an important milestone in its bid to improve facilities for local patients.

The appeal, launched last November, is now three-quarters of the way to reaching its £1 million target. The money is needed for extensions and improvements to wards 10 and 11 at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where people with cancer and blood disorders are treated.

Although the day unit can treat up to 80 a day, it has been difficult for staff to maintain the privacy, confidentiality and dignity of patients because of the pressure on space.

Diana Newbury, fundraising co-ordinator for the appeal, said: "This £750,000 is a fantastic sum of money to have been raised in a relatively short time.

"Once again the people of Bournemouth and the surrounding area have responded with generosity, support and enthusiasm, and we can't thank them enough. We will be working hard to ensure we reach the target and bring the project to completion."

Among highlights of the fundraising so far was a recent concert at the Chewton Glen, which raised £11,500. Other initiatives have included a sponsored abseil and a sponsor-a-brick scheme for a walkway around the hospital's lake.

Next month, 20 people will be leaving for Beijing to walk the Great Wall of China and they are expecting to raise at least £30,000 in sponsorship.

Also coming up in October will be a Men For Sale dinner and auction at the Captains Club Hotel. Lots on offer include a day behind the scenes at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone next June; yacht charter for 12 people; a chauffeur-driven Bentley for a day; an aerobatic flight; and test drives in a Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche.

For more details about fundraising and how you can help, visit jigsawappeal.org.uk or contact the appeal office on 01202 704060.