WORK has begun on the new Cancer Relief Centre at Raigmore Hospital - thanks to the efforts of Highland people who have already raised £1.25 million in the last two years.

There is still a little way to go to reach the £1.6 million required. Although the target has not quite been reached, it has been decided to go ahead with the project, which is due to be complete in October.

Construction company Tulloch’s, which is building the new centre, surprised and delighted local fundraisers by giving £10,000 from their Tulloch Trust to swell their coffers.

The new unit will have a chemotherapy room for treating up to six patients at a time, four new consulting rooms, a counselling room, a joint chemotherapy and radiotherapy reception area and also provide information and support for patients and their families.

Local fundraiser Jim Smith, who has the cobbler’s shop in Lochalsh Road, thanked all the many Merkinch people that have so generously donated to the cause, including the Merkinch Traders.

“At the derby match on Saturday 23rd March, Caley Thistle kindly allowed the MacMillan team to collect among the crowd on behalf of the oncology unit,” said Jim. “Along with the £170 don-ated by Donnie Mackay and his troops in the executive suite - we raised a total of £806.90.” Anyone wishing to help the fund reach its target or who has a fundraising scheme can contact Jim.

Sylvia Smith, who has been fighting cancer for some years has - along with her husband Jim - given much support to the Macmillan Cancer Fund’s efforts for the new oncology unit at Raigmore.