A NINE months fundraising appeal has put Salisbury District Hospital within touching distance of meeting the first two major targets of its Stars Appeal.

The Little Lives and the Keyhole Cancer campaigns were launched in February to raise £100,000 for state-of-the-art equipment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and £300,000 for a dedicated keyhole cancer theatre - and appeal organisers announced this week that the totals had almost been achieved.

Lisa Stratton, Stars Appeal chairman said: "It's been an amazing year for the appeal and we are overwhelmed and very grateful for all the support we have received.

"The money raised, along with donations pledged and events planned over the next few weeks, will enable us to complete these two important campaigns by Christmas." Premature and critically ill babies are already benefiting from new equipment funded by the Appeal's Little Lives Campaign. Babies like Harry, who was born a month and a half early and was recently treated on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using one of the new incubators.

His mum, Gemma Penwarden, said: "It's a huge shock to have a baby weeks before the due date. What has made it bearable is the amazing care we have received from the nursing staff on NICU, together with the knowledge that our baby is being treated with the best state-of- the-art equipment. This has given Harry the very best chance at this critical stage in his life."

Dr Nick Brown, consultant paediatrician said: "The new equipment has helped transform our work. One of the first items we were able to buy was a highly advanced blood gas analyser. This has enabled us to do all our routine blood testing in the unit, rather than having to wait for lab test results, which require larger blood samples to be taken from the babies. In short, it's a real improvement in the care we provide."

The other major project, the Keyhole Cancer Campaign, has focused on providing one of the country's first dedicated keyhole surgery theatres.

The new theatre will be used for treating a range of cancers including bowel and prostate cancer, as well as some more general surgery.

Helen Chave, lead colorectal surgeon said: "Thanks to the generosity of local people, we are hoping to have the funding in place to install the new theatre over the Christmas break. It will make a huge difference to our work, allowing us to use the very latest keyhole techniques in the most up-to-date environment.'' The Stars Appeal is an on-going fundraising drive so when the Little Lives and the Keyhole Cancer Theatre campaigns are completed, the appeal will be looking to start a new major fundraising project in the New Year.

The appeal will also continue to raise money for all wards, units and departments.

Mrs Stratton said: "We are very excited about our plans for next year, including the launch of our Caring for Kids Campaign which will assist in providing a fantastic new children's centre for the hospital."

Luke March, chairman of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I cannot thank the local community enough for their generosity and support of their hospital, which enhances the quality of care provided for all locally".

Details of a planned open day to take place in January 2008, when supporters can see how their money has made a difference first hand, will be announced next month.