AN EVENING of poetry and music will raise funds for a charity which supports women with gynaecological cancers.

The fundraiser at Eype Centre for the Arts on Friday, October 26, to be put together by the Dorset Holloway Collective, will be headlined by Roger McGough, acclaimed poet and playwright.

Money will be raised for the GO Girls! who are supporting Dorset County Hospital's radiotherapy unit appeal.

Roger McGough will be supported by acclaimed Dorset poet Annie Freud and Appassionata on guitar and flute.

Tom Rogers, performance poet, who is jointly co-ordinating the event said: “This promises to be an incredible night of entertainment. This is for poetry buffs and poetry newbies. We are very lucky to have Roger supporting this event and we hope this will help boost the GO Girls funds."

Hilary Maxwell, chairman of GO Girls!, said: “Raising funds for the new cancer unit, is probably one of the most significant fundraisers the west of the county has seen. GO Girls! has been working tirelessly for two years to raise funds for a consulting room and to have this added support is really the icing on the cake. It's something we hope many Dorset residents will support."

The addition of the new radiotherapy unit, consulting rooms and counselling suites will offer cancer patients in the west of the county much easier access to treatment, rather than having to make the long journey to Poole, which for those living in Lyme Regis may be more than a 100 mile round trip.

Teresa Wolff, vice chairman of GO Girls! added: “No one wants to travel long distances when they feel unwell – it’s costly too, so GO Girls! are thrilled to be working with the Dorset Collective to help with this fundraising event."

The evening promises to be a celebration of voices and creative spirit. Sarah Acton, Jurassic coast poet-in-residence said: “We have received so much support already from the local community and businesses. All proceeds from our ticket sales will go to GO Girls! and we hope to raise additional funds from an art sale on the day, a raffle and proceeds from the bar – so come along and be entertained!"

Tony Fuller, whose wife has been treated for endocervical cancer, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the GO Girls! We hope west Dorset really gets behind this magical evening of poetry and music – I’m even writing a poem for the GO Girls!”

Tickets are on sale from Bridport Music and cost £15 (cash only). There are only 150 tickets available so early purchase is recommended. Additionally, a number of Bridport artists are exhibiting their work on the day at an exclusive preview event from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Paintings will be on sale on the night.

Event organiser Frances Colville said: "Cancer is certain to affect every one of us in some way, at some stage of our lives. An event like this is a wonderful way of helping boost funds for such a worthwhile cause."