An appeal to bring radiotherapy services to Dorchester for the first time has jumped closer to its target thanks to a bumper donation from one of its most loyal supporters.

The Cancer Appeal at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) is edging ever closer to its £1.75 million target – and the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust provided a huge boost as it donated a further £33,000 in a ceremony yesterday.

The donation brings the current appeal total up to £1.45million, and the total amount donated so far by the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust – £33,000 – makes it the largest single donor to the appeal.

Building work continues at the hospital site on Bridport Road in Dorchester. With windows and the roof largely complete, the contractors have now started work on the inside of the building.

The Appeal will provide a bespoke outpatients department on top of the radiotherapy building with rooms for counselling and consultancy, and will also fund major improvements to the existing chemotherapy unit.

It is anticipated that the building will be completed by early summer.

David Evans, chairman of the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust, said: "We have been supporting the cancer unit at DCH for 20 years.

"This donation brings our total support for this appeal to a third of a million pounds. It seems a long time since we were at the bottom of the thermometer."

The Fortuneswell Cancer Trust works to improve the services to patients and staff of the cancer unit at DCH and elsewhere.

Trustee Paul Ryan said: "Although we support big opportunities like this, we also have ongoing support with other services providing cancer support locally."

DCH is hoping to hit its £1.75 million target by early summer this year.

The appeal, supported by the Dorset Echo, reached the £1million mark in April last year.

The charity invites anyone who wants send a donation or organise a fundraising event on behalf of the Cancer Appeal to get in touch by contacting Damian or Rachel at the charity office on 01305 253424.

Visit dchft.nhs.uk/charity or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk