A LOCAL cancer charity is backing the ongoing appeal to extend and refurbish Borders Macmillan Centre at Borders General Hospital.

Callum's Trust was founded in memory of Callum Finney, who died in 2008, by his wife Audrey as well as other family members and friends.

Last week Audrey handed over a cheque for £2500 to NHS Borders charity, The Difference, to support the appeal.

And she hopes to hand over a similar cheque in the near future following further fundraising.

Audrey said: “The Borders Macmillan centre provides a vital service to patients and their families.

"Naturally all of us at Callum's Trust were keen to be part of the fundraising challenge to help refurbish and expand the facilities.

"We have pledged to raise £5000 and are delighted to be half way there already."

Callum's Trust is staging the Big Cycle this August when cyclists have the choice of 10-, 25- and 50-mile routes around the scenic valleys south of Selkirk.

Registration for the fundraiser will open in April.

Audrey added: "We encourage members of the community to help us raise the other half of the pledged money by taking part in our Big Cycle on August 12. Registration opens at the beginning of April, so get training and join us.”

The Difference needs to raise £210,000 of the £830,000 total project costs for expanding the Borders Macmillan Centre.

The charity has so far raised £130,000.

The Difference fundraising manager Karen Wilson told us: “It is fantastic to have Callum’s Trust working with The Difference again.

"As one of our charity partners during the Margaret Kerr Unit Appeal they were instrumental in helping us achieve that target and we are delighted to see them once again support our fundraising efforts, this time for our cancer patients.”