A CAMPAIGN to raise £400,000 to help people suffering from cancer in York has reached the halfway mark.

The Macmillan Cancer Relief campaign was launched in June to fund three new specialist posts in the city.

A number of events have helped to raise the cash including a Golden Jubilee concert at York Minster, It's a Knock Out, at York Racecourse, and a fashion show as well as donations.

Macmillan's York appeal co-ordinator, Alex Emsley, said: "This is a great way to start 2003. We only launched the Appeal in June last year and to have exceeded the £200,000 mark already is absolutely fantastic.

"It has been the support of the community of York that has helped us reach this milestone so quickly. People have been so generous, creative and generally supportive towards the appeal."

The new posts, which are head and neck nurse specialist, a lead cancer nurse, and a Macmillan GP, will all work in York with people who are living with cancer, and their families.

Alex added: "Although we are delighted to have got to this stage in the appeal, I would like to urge the people of York to continue arranging events and making donations towards the Macmillan York Appeal to help us achieve our £400,000 goal."

For more information about the Macmillan York Appeal please contact Alex Emsley on 01904 756402 or email her at aemsley@macmillan.org.uk

Updated: 12:44 Friday, January 10, 2003