A Christmas fundraising campaign is being launched in efforts to step ever closer to a hospital's cancer appeal.

Dorset County Hospital Charity staff is launching their Christmas Fundraising Campaign on behalf of the Cancer Appeal at Dorset County Hospital.

Thanks to a number of local fundraising events, individual donations and staff fundraising, the Appeal now stands at nearly £1.4million out of a target of £1.75million.

The Charity’s popular 5p challenge, which is part of the Appeal, has just hit the one mile mark, which means that enough 5ps have been donated to reach one mile, raising £4,500.

Abi Orchard, lead cancer nurse, who had the original idea said: “We never thought it would be so popular – so many people have brought in their 5ps for the challenge and more are coming in every day. We wondered at the beginning if we would even hit one mile – now we are aiming for two.”

Anyone wanting to take part in the challenge should contact the charity on 01305 253424 to find out how they can help.

A number of other events are also planned for the next few weeks.

Simon Pearson, head of fundraising said: "We are asking staff, the community and local businesses to take part in our Christmas campaign by organising simple fundraising events and getting their friends and families involved. We can help with ideas, posters, collection tins and general support if people would like to fundraise for us.”

He added: “Last year at Christmas the hospital received many generous donations and we would love to hear from anyone who would like to support us this year.”

One department at the hospital is having a festive fundraising day on Wednesday, December 13 – medical/surgical outpatients supported the Cancer Appeal last year and are hoping to raise even more this year.

Organiser Gemma Harris, a senior sister on the ward, said: “We’ve got a fantastic raffle with amazing prizes donated by local businesses – we are hoping to sell all our tickets and may even need to get some more. Our patients and their families have also been so generous – we appreciate all the donations we’ve received.

"We’ll be wearing our Christmas fancy dress so it should be a great day.”

Gemma added that any donations for the Tombola would be gratefully received on the ward up until Tuesday, December 12.

The Cancer Appeal is funding a Cancer Outpatients Department which is being built on top of the new Robert White Radiotherapy Unit currently under construction at the Hospital.

It is part of a £9million project bringing radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time.

If you would like to support the appeal by making a donation or organising a fundraising event please contact the charity on 01305 253215, visit dchft.nhs.uk/charity or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk