A prize-winning poet has put pen to paper to raise money for the cancer appeal at Dorset County Hospital.

Albert Gillen, a local poet and published author, has been selling a collection of his poems called Some Rhyme Time and has raised more than £500, which has been donated to the appeal.

Mr Gillen’s poetry collection contains nearly 50 poems on different subjects including Weymouth and Portland.

Mr Gillen, who is a former cancer patient, decided to raise money for the hospital after being impressed by its staff who helped look after him during his treatment.

He said: “If ever there was a charity worth raising money for it is the Dorset County Hospital Cancer Appeal.

“I sincerely hope that people will use their individual creative skills and come up with fundraising ideas to boost the charity’s funds.”

He added: “I wanted to give a special mention to Denise, my ever-supportive, lovely wife, and my sister-in-law Carole Stanley. Also to Jenny Bayley, Ali Marfell, Chris Smith, Peter Peacock and Diane.”

Damian Chandler, finance administrator for the charity appeal, said that the appeal has now reached nearly £1.4 million, but still needs lots of support from the local community if the total of £1.75 million is to be reached in the next few months.

The appeal is funding a Cancer and Haematology Outpatients Department which is being built on top of the new radiotherapy unit at the Hospital.

When complete, the project will bring radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time. It will also fund major improvements to the existing chemotherapy unit.

The radiotherapy unit is set for completion in March 2018 and has been partly funded by a generous donation from Poole businessman Robert White, which together with NHS funds secured by Poole Hospital will provide for two Linear Accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy devices, at a combined investment of £7.4million.

To find out more about the cancer appeal phone 01305 253215 or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk