The Chaseley Trust reached its Diamond Jubilee Appeal target, set in 2006, thanks to grants, fundraising efforts including its garden party last month, and generosity from people such as Tony Robins of Ostrich Hotel in Robertsbridge, who, on hearing the appeal had just under £200 left to go, immediately pledged the amount remaining.

The money will also pay for a new activities area and function hall.

Referring to the Victorian residential home's new computer room, Christine Ellis, its fundraiser, said, "Computers can do marvellous things for people who are severely disabled, with voice recognition software and joysticks.

"Residents can even use them with a chin lever.

"A computer can help you do a lot of things, like sending letters or e-mails or using the web. One lady makes her own birthday and Christmas cards on the computer."

However, the £500,000 raised through the appeal, set up with comedian Jo Brand as vice-president, has mainly been used to buy equipment for the therapy unit, which helps rehabilitate and treat the severely disabled.

A £10,000 hoist, tilt tables and standing frames were all purchased.
These help people walk or just to stand, which can help prevent muscle stiffness and contraction. The equipment will double the number of Sussex outpatients the trust can help, for whom it provided 500 therapy sessions last year.

Chaseley's Victorian mansion was built for a solicitor in 1893 and became a rest and rehabilitation centre for Australian prisoners of war in 1945. It became a charity a year later.

It now houses adults with spinal injuries and neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. A new wing was built in 1996 following a Golden Jubilee Appeal.

It has 55 residents and some beds set aside for respite care so carers visiting Eastbourne can have a much-needed break with the person they care for nearby.

Chaseley would like to thank everyone who contributed to its Diamond Jubilee Appeal and will be holding a series of open days later in the year for visitors to see its new facilities.