The BBC Radio Devon Chestnut Appeal has achieved its £1million target just in time for Christmas, and what a Christmas present it is for the region, writes fundraising manager Lesley Ann Simpson.

In January 2003, BBC Radio Devon adopted this new charity with the aim of providing a state of the art prostate cancer unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth which will serve men and their families from right across the region.

Collecting one of the many cheques that helped us reach our target

We expected that it would take about five years to reach our goal. But we should have known better.

The loyal listeners and staff at BBC Radio Devon, local communities and businesses pulled out all the stops and we've reached £1million in less than two years!

This has far exceeded our expectations and the charity has been totally overwhelmed by the speed at which the money has been raised.

The Chestnut Appeal has been an incredible project. In raising money, it has also raised awareness of the male-only cancer.

All types of fundraising events have taken place around the county to enable us to achieve this mammoth result in such a short space of time, from sponsored swims, walks and bike rides to rallying across the desert, table tops sales, raffles and concerts.

We would like to extend an enormous thank you to everyone who has donated money, whether it was pennies in a collecting tin or a cheque for thousands of pounds.

BBC Radio Devon has staged various large scale events including the award winning Test the County, a 24hr broadcast by presenter Matt Woodley and more recently our Murder Mystery evening.

WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN...
This is just the beginning. Our plans are to implement a centre of excellence for prostate cancer in the region, offering support and education while continuing to raise awareness.

The £1 million figure is a fantastic milestone, but it is vital the communities of Devon continue to support the appeal. If you can help in anyway please get in touch with me on Plymouth (01752) 792736.

Prostate cancer is on the increase and there are 21,000 new cases in the UK each year. The PSA test (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a simple blood test which helps in the diagnosis.

It can be treated in various ways according to progression of the cancer. Treatments include hormone therapy, radiotherapy and surgery.

Traditionally radiotherapy has been administered externally. However, over the past 15 years a new technique of brachytheraphy has been developed.

This method delivers radiation straight into the prostate so there are fewer side effects for the patient.

The Peninsula Cancer Network (which includes all the consultants in the region) says that low dose brachytheraphy should be carried out at Derriford and high dose in Exeter. Now, due to this fantastic achievement, the Chestnut Appeal will be funding this treatment in the region.

The appeal has always been a countywide appeal and - while it's still our intention to provide a state of the art unit at Derriford which will serve men and their families from across the region - the trustees have recognised there's a need for money to be spent across Devon at all four of the trusts in Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and North Devon.

With this in mind a letter has been sent to all four trusts with an offer for the Chestnut Appeal to provide a specialist and dedicated prostate cancer nurse in each trust.

Dedicated areas for treatment will also be made available.

Lesley Ann Simpson

Although the charity is based at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital, it's here for everybody in the region and we need to ensure the best treatments will be made available for the whole population of the county.

The more people that get involved from all areas of the county then the better that would be for the appeal.

And once again, a big thank you from me, and everyone at BBC Radio Devon and the BBC Devon website for your continued support.