THE campaign to raise funds for a second MRI scanner at Salisbury District Hospital has now brought in £1million.

Thanks to generous Salisbury residents and Journal readers, the Stars Appeal has celebrated the landmark amount raised this week.

But the campaign is not over, and now the final push is on, to raise the last £500,000 needed to buy the life-saving equipment.

The chairman of the MRI scanner campaign, Consultant Surgeon Graham Branagan, urged supporters to keep going with their fundraising attempts.

“To have reached the £1million mark is testament to the hard work and generosity of the local population and is a massive boost to all concerned here in the hospital,” he said.

“Please don’t stop those fabulous efforts as we strive to raise the remaining £500,000 needed for the second MRI scanner.”

City residents and those from further afield have taken on sporting challenges, asked for donations in lieu of birthday gifts and held special events to raise the money since the appeal began last November.

Campaign ambassador Roger Humphry, a consultant opthalmologist, said: “Reaching the million pound milestone is such an achievement and a tribute to all our supporters in the community.

“Now we ask you all to continue your marvellous support to help us raise the remaining £500,000.

“In Ophthalmology it will be so important to have a second MRI scanner for our patients to make accurate and rapid diagnosis for targeted treatments.”

The second scanner is forecast to help about 10,000 people attending the hospital each year.