AN annual dinner has provided the perfect starter for a major fundraising campaign in the Borders.

The annual Border Change Foundation Charity Dinner raised over £25,000 last month towards major plans for a cancer centre at the Borders General Hospital.

Over 200 people attended the dinner at the Lodge at Carfraemill on September 1 to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Care Centre – Redesign and Extension Appeal.

Since the Borders Macmillan Centre first opened in 2003 to provide treatments for people with cancer, patient numbers have grown each year.

And the treatments which are delivered have become more and more complex.

As well as creating more space, the £800,000 development will allow for the centre to be completely reconfigured allowing for increased flexibility.

Judith Smith, Macmillan nurse consultant/lead clinician and Tom Clapham, a cancer patient at the centre, spoke at the start of the dinner.

They gave everyone a personal insight into the benefits of having the unit in the Borders.

Judith was delighted with the amount of money raised at the dinner.

She said: “We were absolutely delighted at the amount raised in aid of the Borders Macmillan Centre.

“The generosity of people on the night was amazing.

“This has got our fundraising off to a great start and will benefit so many people affected by cancer in the Borders now and in the future.”

James and Elaine Marjoribanks organised the dinner, which included entertainment, an auction and after dinner speakers.

James said: “We wanted to kick-off the appeal with a healthy sum, so I told everyone we were looking to reach over £20,000 so you can imagine our total delight when we announced we had raised over £25,350. Absolutely fantastic.

“It just goes to show what a great cause it is and how so many people were happy to donate to it.

“Also, we are indebted to all those who bought tables once again and to those loyal supporters who gave us auction and raffle prizes.”

A grand total of £411,916 has been raised by the charity dinners to date which has helped many different charities in the Borders.

Next year James and Elaine will be celebrating their 20th Charity Dinner and will raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Centre Appeal.

The dinner will be held again at the Lodge at Carfraemill on September 7, 2018.

If anyone is interested in taking a table they can contact James at jym@hoggandthorburn.co.uk