THRILL seekers are in high demand at the Great Western Hospital to help them raise cash for a cutting-edge breast cancer treatment.

Brighter Futures, the GWH NHS Foundation Trust’s charity which helps to fund new treatments not available through the NHS budget, is hoping to raise £75,000 to help pay for intra-operative radiotherapy.

The pioneering treatment, which zaps areas affected by breast cancer with radiotherapy while still in the operating room, has the potential to make a life-changing difference to how 150 women in Swindon recover from the disease each year.

As part of the fundraising effort, Brighter Futures are encouraging adventurous types to sign up to take part in a mass jump where volunteers will fill the skies on the same day.

Head of fundraising for Brighter Futures, Jen Green said: “This is a great opportunity for people who have always wanted to do a skydive to finally give it a go. Whether they choose a thrilling tandem skydive or an exhilarating solo jump from 3,000 feet, it will definitely be the experience of a lifetime.”

The charity is calling for as many people as possible to get in touch and take part and raise a minimum of £360 in sponsorship money to help them reach their £75,000 target. The date has already been set for August 9 at the Swindon Jump Centre and there has already been some interest in taking part.

Jen said: “This is a fantastic cause and we hope the people of Swindon and beyond get behind us. Most of us will know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, and this new treatment will make such a difference to the lives of women coping with the disease.”

The new treatment, which is being trialled at hospitals in Winchester, Harlow, Dundee and London as part of an international study, not only cuts travel and treatment time but should also quicken recovery times.

But in order to help bring the treatment to Swindon, Brighter Futures needs £12,500 a month to cover the cost of the machine, staffing and special safety equipment.

To donate to the Brighter Futures’ Breast Cancer Appeal, visit justgiving.com/brighterfutures3.

SIGNING UP

Skydivers who sign up will be able to take in the stunning views of the Wiltshire countryside from 10,000ft up if they take part in the Big Thrill.

Volunteers can choose to do a freefall parachute jump from the plane, a tandem sky dive or a fixed-line jump. To find out more or to sign up, contact the fundraising team on 01793 605631 or email fundraising@gwh.nhs.uk. Or sign up online at: www.skylineregistrations.co.uk/parachuting/booking.aspx?clientid=27678&type=block&v=2948