A MASSIVE fundraising mission which aims to transform Barnsley Hospital’s breast care unit is almost complete after residents dug deep to raise more than £200,000 in less than a year - and bosses are appealing for the public’s help for one last push with a ‘critical’ deadline looming.

Barnsley Hospital Charity launched the appeal last June with a £250,000 target.

It’s hoped that the funding will help transform the current unit to create a calmer, welcoming and more comfortable breast care unit for thousands of patients each year.

Dedicated fundraisers from across the borough have already dug deep to raise a huge £216,000 - but bosses are appealing for one last push for £36,000 with June’s deadline approaching.

Supporters have taken on extraordinary challenges from walking, running and swimming, to skydiving, wing walking and even swimming with sharks.

Others have helped in equally creative ways buying raffle tickets, trying their luck on the tombola, sponsoring stars or glamming up for the Strictly Glitterball event at the Civic last November.

The hospital charity say that the transformation would offer comfort and care to those ‘when it’s needed most’.

They added: “We envision a healing space where sensitivity is at the heart of every detail.

“Imagine stepping into a serene waiting area, surrounded by calming scenes from nature.

“Comfortable seating will be arranged in small clusters, creating a welcoming environment where patients can feel at ease, even in their most vulnerable moments.

“Privacy and dignity will be thoughtfully maintained.

“Our design will seamlessly blend art and functionality - with floor-to-ceiling nature prints, artistic ceiling tiles and custom window films - transforming the entire space into a place of calm and support.

“Your donation can help bring this vision to life, offering comfort and care when it’s needed most.”

More than 7,000 patients are seen annually in the unit with a variety of symptoms including breast lumps, nipple changes and lumps in the armpit.

This equates to around 142 patients per week and, of those, an average of around 250 breast cancer patients are treated annually.

Ongoing appointments with breast care nurses, prosthetic experts and doctors also take place within this unit.

Although extremely rare in males, men who are battling the disease will also benefit from the scheme.

Patients include both women and men, many of whom are going through what can be one of the most worrying periods of their lives.

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer.

In Barnsley alone, statistics from Yorkshire Cancer Research show that a huge 1,661 people are told they have cancer every year - many of which are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Almost 800 people die of the cruel disease in the town each year.

The charity leaders say the next few weeks are ‘critical’ if the life-changing transformation is to take place.

Jane Mills, charity development manager, told the Chronicle: “We are absolutely blown away by the generosity of the Barnsley community.

“Reaching £216,000 is a huge milestone and every single supporter should be proud of what they’ve helped achieve.

“But we’re now in the final stretch.

“With £34,000 still to raise before June, every donation and every fundraiser really does make a difference.

“Every pound raised will help us create a space that offers comfort and reassurance at what can be a very difficult time.

“Together, we can make this happen for thousands of local patients.”