News that the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer Appeal has hit the major milestone of £100,000 is a great early Christmas present for everyone involved with it.

It is a testament to the generosity of the people of the Bradford district that despite the depressed economy, many have continued to dig deep to help raise funds for this vital cause.

And we know that they will continue to do so as we strive to reach the £1 million target, which will help Institute of Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) scientists at the University of Bradford to buy a mass spectrometer, which will greatly speed up study work in a bid to beat cancer.

Individuals, local companies, foundations, schools, organisations and many others have all pitched in to help reach this landmark in the appeal just six months after its launch.

Students who manned the phones for the University telethon have played a huge part in getting us past the six-figure mark.

But every donation, no matter how large or how small, truly matters and will help to make a difference.

Cancer is a terrible disease, but it can be beaten, and treatment is improving all the time. Survival rates for both breast and testicular cancers, for example, have improved year on year for more than 40 years – due in no small part to the pioneering work of George Watson and Robert Turner in the development of chemotherapy treatment here in Bradford in the 1950s and ’60s.

We would ask every reader to look at how they can join the current fight, whether with a major event or a small donation, and help fund further breakthroughs in the battle to finally beat this terrible disease.