A GRATEFUL former Christie's patient has anonymously sent the hospital £1,000 in cash - by post.

A plain, slightly bulky envelope arrived at the hospital bearing two 20 pence stamps addressed to Caroline Moss, secretary to the trust chief executive Mike Fry.

Caroline said: "I slit it open, tipped it upside down and a wad of used £20 notes fell out. I was just amazed."

A note accompanied the stash of cash. It read: "To Cancer appeals - from a person who through your treatment has recovered. Hope this helps to make it possible for someone else to get better. Yours with thanks."

The hospital tried to discover the area in which the donor lives by looking at the envelope's post mark - but it was too smudged.

Mr Fry said: "The media is our only way of reaching the person so on behalf of the Trust I should like to express my heartfelt thanks."

"But sending cash by ordinary mail is not the best way of supporting the hospital - although the fact that it reached us safely is testament to the honesty of all concerned."

The money will support Christie's Against Cancer and it takes the appeal to almost £18,350,000.

The hospital aims to raise £25 million before its centenary in 2001. The money will finance a series of projects to aid the fight against cancer.

Meanwhile, some of Christie's top specialists are set to make illustrated presentations about key future projects at the hospital's Open Day on October 2 in a bid to de-mystify cancer.

They will show how future treatments will be kinder and more effective. Telephone 0161 446 3988 for more details.

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