A major fundraising initiative is a step closer to reaching its target.

The Cancer Appeal at Dorset County Hospital received a much-welcomed boost last month and now stands at £1.125 million out of a target of £1.75 million, leaving just £625,000 to go.

David Evans of the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust handed over a cheque for £50,000 to charity chairman, Peter Greensmith.

The Fortuneswell Cancer Trust are Dorset County Hospital Charity’s main partners in the Cancer Appeal and have now contributed a massive £300,000 since it launched.

David said: “We’re very excited to be working with the charity on this project as we know how much it means to local people affected by cancer. I would like to personally thank all those who have supported us and everyone in the community who has raised funds on our behalf.”

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 £9 million project bringing radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time.

Emily Dipple, together with her family, raised a fantastic £3,460 for the appeal from a fundraising garden party a couple last month. Her daughters Alice and Maeve also helped by fundraising at school – they collected £120 of five pence pieces by getting their friends at Frome Valley Church of England First School to help with the collection.

Emily said: “Obviously I am delighted with the amount we raised, but it was also great to promote the appeal and I am very passionate about the new centre being built.”

She added: “I really enjoyed sharing my story and the plans for the unit with the local community."

Peter Greensmith, chairman of Dorset County Hospital Charity was there to receive both cheques for the Cancer Appeal.

He said: “It was a great pleasure to be here today to meet Emily and her family and our Fortuneswell partners. It is always very humbling to talk to the people who work so hard to raise money for us and their efforts are very much appreciated.”

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