WE had never undertaken such an ambitious campaign. The target of £2 million was 20 times bigger than any previous Evening Press fundraising appeal.

But this was the Millennium campaign. It deserved something special, and the St Leonard's Hospice expansion was a very special cause.

Because of its scale, the appeal's launch in autumn 1998 was exciting, but also a little daunting. Happily the response was immediate and positive, testament to the way St Leonard's has touched so many lives.

Your enthusiasm has never flagged. With every Evening Press appeal, our readers have demonstrated unfailing generosity: this time, you surpassed yourselves. To help raise £2 million is a fantastic achievement.

As ever, the money was generated in all manner of ways. Many of you dipped deep into your pockets to give a personal donation. Others devoted spare time to organise fundraising events.

The emphasis here was fun. As many smiles as pounds were raised at events like the Let's Party carnival weekend, the York College Community Fun Days, the Millennium Sunflower Ball and, more recently, the Wear Yellow Day.

Already we can see the fruits of your efforts. The annexe is well on its way to completion, and very stylish it looks too. Patients and their families should start to benefit from its space and facilities later this summer. Money from any fundraising events in the pipeline will go towards extra items and running costs.

The hospice annexe is as impressive a Millennium monument as the pedestrian bridge. Unlike the bridge, the annexe has been built without the aid of Lottery cash. It grew from one of the largest community fundraising campaigns ever undertaken in the area.

Everyone who donated time and money should take great pride from helping to make this dream come true.

Today we thank hospice staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly on the appeal. And we thank you, our readers, for realising a facility which will do so much good, now and in the future.

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, July 04, 2001