In recent months we have seen work begin on the new centre.

And construction is due to be completed in the second half of next year.

But it is increasingly the case that while government funding will finance a building and initial infrastructure, it is unlikely to stretch to pay for the other items that allow such a facility to operate at its optimum.

The Border’s basketball superstar Lauren Jackson yesterday kicked off a $2 million fund-raising campaign as the patron of the Albury-Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.

Money raised by the fund-raising efforts will go towards the establishment of a wellness centre and additional equipment.

It will also go towards professional development for medical personnel and cancer research.

As Jackson noted, there are few whose lives are not touched by cancer.

This facility will allow families and friends to support their loved ones, close to home and at a critical time.