AN appeal to help people suffering from cancer is continuing to grow ahead of schedule. 

The Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Cancer Appeal is halfway to reaching its £1.75million target.

After an official launch earlier this year, the Echo–backed fund has now reached £655,000 – ahead of the total amount the charity was aiming to reach by the end of October. 

The radiotherapy unit itself, including the bunkers, two radiotherapy machines and the waiting and supporting areas for radiotherapy patients, is being funded by Poole Hospital including a generous legacy from Poole businessman, Robert White. 

On the progress of the charity’s Cancer Appeal, head of fundraising, Andrew House said: “This is fantastic news for the charity and for everyone who lives in Dorset.

"The Cancer Appeal will provide an outpatients department for all cancer patients on top of the new radiotherapy building and fund major improvements in our chemotherapy unit.

"We are now a great deal closer to achieving this, thanks to the generosity of a number of local and national trusts and, as always, to hardworking local fundraisers and members of the public.”

Lead cancer nurse, Abi Orchard said: “This appeal will help us provide world-class cancer services in Dorchester. The new facilities will be life-changing, particularly for people who live a long way from radiotherapy services in Poole. We want to be the best we can possibly be.”

Recent donations including generous support from The Dorset Health Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the local community have pushed up the appeal total by a further £200,000. Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, which is partnering the charity on this appeal, has also given £200,000.

Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks. It is anticipated that the first patients will be treated at the new radiotherapy centre by spring 2018. 

The Cancer Appeal is also funding improvements to the existing chemotherapy unit at the hospital.

With the release of space on the ward after outpatients moves to the new building, the ward will be reconfigured to increase the room available for treating each patient.

The main benefit will be that patients will be able to have family and friends with them during their treatment.

This can be a huge relief to patients particularly at the beginning of a programme of treatment at the hospital.