FUNDRAISING for a Maggie's Centre for Nottingham cancer patients and their families has hit the £2-million mark.

It has taken three years and four months to reach the magnificent sum through the combined effort of the public and major givers.

Post readers have raised more than £521,000 for the appeal so far and the cash continues to pour in.

Work on the unique tree-house building, designed by top architect Piers Gough, is well on course to begin in the autumn in the grounds of Nottingham City Hospital.

It will provide an oasis of calm for the city's 4,000 patients and their families who receive a cancer diagnosis every year, plus the many more who already coping with the disease.

Fundraising continues as £3 million is needed to cover construction and the first two years' running costs at the centre, which will provide free emotional and psychological support, relaxation and stress management classes and advice on practical issues.

Judy Naake, chairman of the Nottingham Maggie's board, said: "It's fabulous news and once again shows the generous nature of our region.

"Momentum is continuing to grow and we approach the summer with great excitement.

"I want to thank the community for their continued generosity as we reach the final push phase to raise the remaining £1million."

The milestone comes on top of another bumper donation this week following a year of fundraising by Skills Holidays to celebrate the coach tour company's 90th anniversary.

It collected £7,052, which was presented to the charity by managing director Nigel Skill.

Mr Skill raised a large chunk of the money on a sponsored cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats last July.

The rest came from raffles, donations and customer collections during tours.

On June 25 the appeal will benefit from Mansell's annual football tournament, backing Maggie's for the fourth year.

Between 30 to 40 teams from the construction industry will be going for glory in a five-a-side competition at the Power League Soccer Centre.

Each team is being asked for a £100 voluntary donation.

Showing how invaluable Maggie's centres are, visitors at the London centre have almost doubled during the second year of operation.

For more details on Maggie's call Sarah Macey on 0115 8718693 or e-mail sarah.macey@maggiescentres.org. The Post wants to hear about your fundraising for Maggie's. Call Lynette Pinchess on 0115 9482000 ext 2548 or e-mail lynette.pinchess@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk.