Margaret Kerr Unit reaches cash landmark
A public appeal to raise the "final million" pounds needed to build a palliative care unit in the Borders has reached a funding landmark.
The Margaret Kerr Unit is to be constructed at the Borders General Hospital near Melrose.
The fundraising appeal has now reached the £100,000 mark having been launched less than six months ago.
Chairman James Marjoribanks expressed his "sincere thanks" to everyone who had contributed so far.
"The Borders is the only mainland health board area in Scotland without a dedicated palliative care facility, and we can see with every letter and donation that we receive just how important it is to people of all ages that we build this unit as quickly as possible," he said.
"We have numerous fundraising events registered to take place over the forthcoming months which will benefit the appeal, and I am confident that the total will continue to increase rapidly."
NHS Borders medical director Dr Ross Cameron said building work on the unit would start in April.
"This will be a purpose-built facility in which our specialist clinicians can deliver palliative care in a welcoming and calm environment which is appropriate to the need of patients and their families, and I am very grateful to everyone who has supported us to date," he added.