THE man who masterminded one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in the region has been honoured by a national charity.

Following the news that the Macmillan Cancer Relief County Durham appeal had reached £760,000, way over its initial target of £600,000, appeal chairman Ian Bonas was presented with one of the charity's top awards.

Mr Bonas, who lives in Hamsterley, County Durham, took on the task of raising at least £600,000 to improve support services for terminally ill cancer patients and their families.

The appeal was launched in October 2001 at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, after members of the Macmillan organisation revealed that County Durham was the only English county without its own dedicated palliative care specialist.

Palliative care specialists are medical consultants who concentrate on improving the quality of life for patients with incurable cancer.

Macmillan supporters, who gathered at Auckland Castle on Thursday night, were told that after three years of campaigning, the original total had been comfortably exceeded.

The money is already being used to provide two palliative care consultants, an increased number of Macmillan nurses, extra information points for patients and their families and specialist cancer awareness training for family doctors.

Before the award was presented, appeal patron Lord Barnard told the audience he had asked Mr Bonas to take on the extremely difficult task because of the businessman's ability to "think outside the box," and come up with imaginative solutions to problems.

Presenting the Green Bow award to Mr Bonas, Maureen Rutter, Macmillan director for the North of England, said: "The board of Macmillan has recognised the value of what this gentleman has achieved. The award is given to people who give exceptional service to the charity."

Mrs Rutter said she also wanted to pay tribute to the generosity of the people of County Durham.

Mr Bonas said: "We are all extremely grateful to all of you who have given support, particularly our patrons, our committee and our supporters."

Lord Barnard singled out the two appeal co-managers, Caroline Peacock and Caroline Broadfoot, for praise.

He said: "We all owe an enormous debt to the two Carolines."

During the ceremony, floral bouquets were presented to the two co-managers.