Maison de Quetteville should see its first residents in December.

THE Maison Million Home Appeal has topped its target.

Organisers announced yesterday that islanders have raised just over £1m. towards a new Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility – and it is due to open on 17 October, with the first residents expected to be in during December.

The Guernsey Press launched the Maison Million Home Appeal in April 2007 to help fund the 29-bed Maison de Quetteville care unit.

Following an enormous effort by readers, chief fund-raiser David Hodgetts broke the news of the fantastic achievement.

‘It’s a brilliant day,’ he said yesterday. ‘We have reached the million and actually gone a little past it.’

The final donation came in from the BWCI Group, which gave £85,000 after contacting Mr Hodgetts to ask how much was needed to finish the appeal.

‘It was an amazing gesture,’ said Mr Hodgetts.

BWCI senior partner Stephen Ainsworth said the company wanted to do something special to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

‘We are delighted to have been able to mark our anniversary with a donation from the BWCI Foundation to reach the Maison Million Appeal’s target,’ he said.

‘Maison de Quetteville is a tremendous asset to the community and will make a huge difference both to those with dementia-related diseases and to their families.’