TOTAL RAISED INCLUDING GIFT AID: £210,677.24

The Chronicle has launched one of our biggest ever campaigns to help cancer sufferers and their families across the North East.

We want you to help us raise £500,000 towards an innovative £3m centre giving practical help and support.

The Chronicle has teamed up with charity Maggie’s who have already helped more than 250,000 people across the UK.

The planned Maggie’s Centre at Newcastle’s world-leading Freeman Hospital will give patients and their loved ones access to expert advice on coping with their illness or a friendly chat over a cup of tea.

And we’re calling on readers to organise events or make a donation to our campaign to bring a Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre to the North East.

Whether it’s a sponsored football match or evening of entertainment, you could be joining North East celebs such as Donna Air and Neil Tennant in supporting Maggie’s vital work, as well as the Prime Minister’s wife Sarah Brown.