The feeling is mutual when it comes to supporting Dorset County Hospital’s Cancer Appeal.

Regional insurer Cornish Mutual has donated £1,000 to Dorset County Hospital Charity, helping its appeal get closer to its target. There is now less than £100,000 to be raised before the target is reached.

The Cancer Appeal is supporting the provision of world-class cancer facilities for patients in Dorset.

The money presented by Cornish Mutual came from contributions made by members and through buying tickets for a raffle and tombola at last month’s Dorset County Show. As headline sponsor for the show, Cornish Mutual secured prizes through donations from exhibiting businesses.

Dorset County Hospital Charity launched its Cancer Appeal in 2016, with a target of £1.75 million. The project will provide facilities for cancer patients particularly from north, south and west Dorset and will support the provision of radiotherapy services in Dorchester for the first time.

Nick Bunting from Cornish Mutual said: “Cornish Mutual is committed to supporting communities across the south west. We are thrilled to have raised £1,000 for a cause that will be close to many of our members’ hearts.”

“As headline sponsor for the Dorset County Show, we wanted to do our bit to support their nominated charity. We are delighted by the generosity of our members and would also like to thank the many local businesses who donated prizes for our raffle and tombola. We know this donation will make a true impact to the Cancer Appeal and people across Dorset.”

Donations to the appeal are funding a new Cancer Outpatient Department and will help to pay for improvements in the hospital’s existing chemotherapy unit to create spaces where family members can sit with patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Simon Pearson, Head of Fundraising at Dorset County Hospital Charity said: “We are delighted to receive this significant donation from Cornish Mutual and are very grateful for their support at the Dorset County Show.” The Cancer Appeal will make a big difference to the facilities for Cancer patients at Dorset County Hospital. We are proud to be able to work alongside respected companies like Cornish Mutual on such an important project.”

Dorset County Hospital Charity has so far received over £1,650,000 for the appeal from donations, pledges and grants given by businesses, community groups and the general public.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Dorset County Hospital Charity or their Cancer Appeal can go to www.dchft.nhs.uk/charity/Pages/home.aspx , contact the charity team on 01305 253215 or charity@dchft.nhs.uk.