THE Maison Million Appeal has nearly reached half its target. Almost £500,000 has been raised in less than four months since The Guernsey Press launched the appeal to raise the £1m. needed for building work to start on the Maison de Quetteville care unit.

The 29-bed facility, which will be connected to Maison L’Aumone in Castel, will provide specialist care for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Appeal fund-raiser David Hodgetts said: ‘I am so grateful to the people of Guernsey, The Guernsey Press and people even beyond our shores for their amazing generosity.’

Organisers believe that many carers are struggling to cope with the pressure of caring for a loved one and predict that the 29 beds will be full before the unit has been completed.

‘I have received some very touching letters from people who have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s. All agree that the island so needs the 29 beds that this new facility will provide.

‘I think there is a huge demand for the unit and I know we could easily fill it now, never mind in two years’ time. That is why it is so important that we reach our target as soon as possible so that building work can start.’

Hundreds of people have made donations and organised fund-raisers. Alzheimer’s Society Guernsey branch chairman Jurat Mike Tanguy congratulated everyone who had contributed.

‘I think it’s absolutely fantastic and I’m thrilled to bits with the amount raised so far,’ he said.

‘It’s a marvellous achievement to reach that figure so quickly and I hope the rest of the target is reached just as quickly.’

Islanders young and old have got behind the appeal.

The Chelsea Pensioners held a raffle when they visited the island for Liberation Day and raised £500.

John Gallienne has organised their visits for 38 years and said they decided to bring their own personal items for prizes.

‘They came up with the idea because they felt that Guernsey does so much for them that they wanted to do something in return,’ said the 74-year-old.

‘They asked me to choose a charity and I wanted to pick one that would help Guernsey people. I had read a lot about Alzheimer’s in the paper and the pensioners were pleased with that because it’s a cause they could relate to.’

Mr Gallienne said the appeal nearly reaching half its target was a fantastic achievement.

‘That’s excellent. But, then again, that is the people of Guernsey for you. I don’t think there is another community that raises money for charity like Guernsey does.’

Kate de la Rue and Sam Evans targeted the other end of the age spectrum when they organised the Funk Da Rock parties. There have so far been three events at the Half Moon Cafe with another planned for 8 September. So far, £4,250 has been raised.

Miss de la Rue said she had been delighted with the support her peers had shown the appeal.

‘It’s amazing that the appeal is almost halfway there,’ said the 23-year-old.

‘There has been a wide variety of fund-raisers and I think a lot of different people throughout Guernsey have got involved.

‘I hoped the appeal would be something that everyone would relate to and I have found that most people I have met when promoting our events have had a story to tell about the disease.’

* For more information, go to www.myspace.com/funk_da_rock