The Bradford Millennium Scanner Appeal today celebrated its first birthday with the news it has smashed the £600,000 barrier.

A total of £611,000 has been raised, the appeal office announced.

Now the race is on to raise the final £400,000 to bring the state-of-the-art MRI scanner to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Huge support has come from across the community including pubs, schools, community groups, religious organisations and hospitals with more than 2,000 donations big and small from a vast range of events since the campaign began a year ago.

Linda Pollard, chairman of the Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We were optimistic when we launched the appeal but we have been amazed by the level of support from local community groups and individuals who have been encouraged to back the appeal."

The appeal has touched the hearts of many patients who could have benefited from the scanner.

Mick and Carol Duffy's nine-year-old son Liam, of Low Moor, underwent emergency surgery after an MRI scan revealed he had a fast-growing brain tumour.

The family helped to raise nearly £4,000 from a sponsored head shave for the appeal. "Liam is doing really well and he had another scan last month which was a good result," said Mrs Duffy. "You don't realise how much we need a scanner like this until one of your family is ill. It's an important appeal and people were so desperate to help us."

Postwoman Melanie Doherty organised a Full-Monty style strip for the appeal by six of her male colleagues at a variety show for Royal Mail staff.

Melanie, 19, had an MRI scan which saved her life 18 months ago when she had a brain haemorrhage.

"I would urge everyone to help raise the last few thousand for the appeal," she said.

"This scanner is crucial for the people of Bradford and it certainly helped save my life."

James Anderson, 19, is now making a full recovery after an MRI scan diagnosed a brain tumour. He had emergency surgery only three days before his dad, Ian, did a parachute jump for the appeal.

"I'm a lot better now although I keep having to have regular scans," said James. "It will help save a lot of people's lives if we get a scanner in Bradford."

Now appeal workers are encouraging the community to help to raise the final amount.

Fundraising manager Sally-Anne Bennett said: "I have never seen a community give such incredible support to an appeal before.

"Everyone who has supported us to date can take great pride in knowing that they will be helping to buy such an important piece of equipment.

"However, we still need to raise a further £400,000 by Christmas so we hope that everyone will continue to support us over the next few but crucial months."

Thousands of people will each year benefit from the MRI scanner which can detect a range of ailments including cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, circulatory problems and joint conditions.

Patients have to wait up to a year for a scan in Leeds or Halifax and lives will be saved with the early detection of disease by a scanner in Bradford.

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