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An appeal spearheaded by the Bournemouth Daily Echo and Advertiser has hit £1.3m in just 20 months.

Thanks to the Daily Echo, and a magnificent response from the localcommunity, work can soon start on building a new breast cancer unit at PooleHospital.

It was the startling fact that one in 11 women in Dorset will contract the illness – the highest incidence rate in the country – that sparked such a response from the public.

Editor Neal Butterworth spearheaded the Echo’s campaign with health reporter Joanna Codd. They both serve on the Ladybird Appeal committee.

Neal said: “We are honoured to have played a part in such a wonderful andsuccessful campaign.

“To have reached this initial target so quickly is testament to the hardwork of so many people who have responded to our appeals for help.

“We will continue to support the remaining fund-raising efforts to enhance the lives of the people who will use the unit.”

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