A regional daily has smashed its target after launching an appeal to raise £100,000 for specialist cancer treatment centre on its patch.

The South Wales Echo has revealed its Cardiff United Against Cancer campaign for the city’s Velindre Cancer Centre £177,450.49.

The campaign was launched in September and has been supported by, among others, Wales rugby union captain Sam Warburton.

The Echo and its staff have raised almost £1,500 through sweepstakes, cake sales and a Six Nations ticket sweepstake.

The Echo’s front page when the appeal was launched in September 2015

Editor Tryst Williams said: “This campaign has been a real community effort. People have come together to hold events, bake sales and sweepstakes.

“The stories we have printed every week have shown just how important every penny of this money is and what a difference it will make. We are exceptionally grateful to everyone who has made a donation, whatever size.”

Andrew Morris, head of fundraising at Velindre, said: “The support from the South Wales Echo has been crucial, they have covered every aspect of Velindre, letting our patients, supporters and staff tell their own unique stories, sometimes heartbreaking in their intensity, but always uplifting and inspirational.”

The campaign is one of the 32 currently shortlisted as part of Local Newspaper Week’s ‘Making a Difference’ initiative, which aims to find the best regional press campaign of the last 12 months.

Members of the public have until 5pm today to vote for their preferred campaign, with the winner announced at Friday’s Regional Press Awards.