The Evening Press today issues an invitation to all of you, the warm-hearted people of York and the surrounding areas who contributed to our Cancer Haven Appeal, to attend the official opening of the city's new cancer care centre on December 12.

York Against Cancer has asked the Evening Press to send out an invitation to everyone who helped raise the amazing sum of £120,000 in nine months for the special centre at York District Hospital.

All those who contributed will be welcome at a carol service at the hospital's chapel led by Canon Glyn Webster, followed by the act of dedication of the haven and the switching on of the Christmas tree lights.

The ceremonies begin at 3.30pm on Saturday, December 12, and will be the canon's last official act as senior hospital chaplain.

Because so many joined in the Evening Press/York Against Cancer appeal, organisers are already planning to relay the service to the Outpatients Department so everyone can hear it.

Their message is emphatic. "Anyone who contributed is very, very welcome," said Pat Leveson, of York Against Cancer. "The cancer care centre was made possible by the generosity of the people of York."

Canon Webster, chaplain of York District Hospital for 20 years, added: "I think they have done incredibly well to raise so much money in such a short period of time. A very, very big thank you to the people of York." Canon Webster will soon become Canon Treasurer of York Minster when he leaves the NHS after nearly 30 years as first nurse, then priest, then senior hospital chaplain.

The cancer care centre opened to its first patients on November 19. But the December 12 ceremony will mark the formal end of the process that began in early 1997 when the Evening Press joined forces with York Against Cancer to launch what has been one of our most successful appeals ever.

The Christmas tree outside the centre was given free by local greengrocers William Ellis.

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