Charity bosses say they are closer than ever to building a specialist cancer centre after the cost of building it was reduced.
An appeal has been running in Southampton to raise £2.2m for a new blood treatment centre, but now the cost is expected to be £1.76m. The appeal has already raised £1m, meaning just £1.76m is needed to reach the target.
The whole city will be turning red and white for the second year in a row to help boost the funds. The Red and White Appeal Day was so successful last year, it will be held again in March.
Fundraisers all over the city dress in red and white and take part in a number of different events to collect cash.
The unit will be built at Southampton General Hospital to treat patients with leukaemia and other blood disorders. At the moment patients have to share facilities at Southampton General Hospital with those suffering from solid tumour cancers, but the clinics have become overcrowded, putting people at risk.
Veryan Grant, director of Southampton Hospital Charity, said: “Donations are so valuable and we are keen to ensure that every single penny goes towards enhancing patient care. With the support of the city and region it is vital that we now work together to push for the new fundraising goal.
“We hope that people will join in with fundraising on this day to support patients who really need your help. Anyone can get affected by blood cancer and it is important that we all do our bit for our hospital.”