An appeal to raise £3m for the new Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital has hit its target – five months ahead of schedule.

Organisers of the Archie Foundation revealed the breakthrough and paid tribute to the thousands of people from throughout the North east of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland who have contributed to their success.

Appeal director Sharon O’Loan praised the Press and Journal newspaper, which has backed the appeal since its inception in May 2000, carrying photographs and stories about fundraising activities.

She said: “The ongoing enthusiastic support of the P&J has been a crucial factor in the appeal’s success.

“In the early days, it gave us credibility, valuable profile and helped grow the initial momentum. Over the years is has kept donors informed, helped to spread fundraising ideas throughout the North-east and ultimately celebrated and recorded the unending generosity of the community.

“We are very much in debt to the paper, it has been a fantastic experience working with all the staff there and they have allowed us to achieve so much.”

Press and Journal editor Derek Tucker said: “The Press and Journal is proud to have played a part in this magnificent achievement and passes on its congratulations to everyone involved with the Archie Foundation.

“We eagerly await completion of the new children’s hospital and hope Archie’s contribution will make a huge difference to the quality of life of those families who use it in future.”

The appeal has received 7,300 donations since it was launched to provide essential extras – such as parent accommodation, play areas and equipment – for the new Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, currently under construction at Foresterhill.

The £24.7m hospital is due to open its doors on December 14, replacing the existing children’s hospital, which was built for £100,000 in 1929 with a 30-year life span.

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