ONE of Swindon’s most dedicated Rotarians has pledged his commitment to the radiotherapy appeal with a mammoth personal donation of £20,000.

Tony Long, from Highworth, has seen cancer afflict his loved ones throughout the years and he is determined to ensure that no more people need to make the journey to Oxford for treatment.

Tony, 88, is a member of the Rotary Club of Swindon North and, speaking on behalf of his fellow members, said: “The Rotary is immensely proud to be involved with this worthwhile cause.”

He originally planned to leave £20,000 to Cancer Research UK in his will but, as he explained: “I have always had a preference to spend in the local area money that has been raised through donations.

“So instead of leaving it to Cancer Research I decided to give it to the radiotherapy appeal through the Rotary Club.”

It is a cause close to Tony’s heart because, as he put it: “Three of the five ladies closest to me in my life had cancer – two died of it.”

Tony lost his first wife, Vera, to breast cancer 50 years ago this year. His second wife Ivy was then diagnosed with the disease, before later dying of a stroke.

And eight years ago, his daughter Margaret died at the age of 49 after a battle with oesophageal cancer.

“I don’t know who was dealing the cards, but I wasn’t given the best hand,” said Tony

“I feel sad for people having to travel there, which can take the best part of a day when the traffic is bad.

“I have a lot of sympathy for these people, especially as I have been personally involved with having to make the trip to Oxford.

“I just wanted to give that money locally and for it to benefit the people who are going through what I have been through.

“It is absolutely vital that radiotherapy is brought to Swindon. I am hugely disappointed that a unit wasn’t there when the hospital was built.

“All these people are having to trundle up to Oxford and back and we should have done something about it years ago.

“Rotary will continue to work to try to push on to the second million and I will support my club in all their future fundraising endeavours.”

So far £1,057,130 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.