A CANCER hospital charity has reached its landmark goal of raising £1m in one year.

Clatterbridge Your Cancer Centre cash will help offer patients the most up-to-date treatment, support services and fund vital research into the disease.

The Wirral-based facility serves a population of more than 2m and each year 7,000 new patients pass through its doors.

The charity’s head of fundraising, Marie Turnbull, paid tribute to every person who had donated, volunteered or organised an event.

She said: “In Merseyside and Cheshire, we have the worst cancer mortality rates in the country. As a resident of this region, the reality is that you are 35% more likely to die from cancer compared with the national average. We want to level the playing field by investing in research which takes place right in the heart of our region and directly benefits every resident.

“We couldn’t have achieved what we have without the support of everyone who has donated or volunteered for the charity.

“On behalf of our patients, past, present and future, thank you.”

The charity has been supported by fundraising events across the region.

On Thursday, 30 retailers in Southport raised more than £1,000 with a “Dress to Impress” evening.

Models used by TV fashion icon Gok Wan showcased the hottest looks for spring and summer at the town’s Wayfarers Shopping Arcade.

Manager Yvonna Burns said: “This was a fantastic event and we are so pleased to have been able to help raise valuable funds for Clatterbridge.”