CUSTOMERS of a Swindon supermarket giant have voted to support the Great Western Hospital in the coming year.

Brighter Futures, the charitable arm of the GWH Foundation Trust, has been selected as Local Charity Of The Year for Sainsbury's at Stratton after an overwhelming show of public support.

Shoppers at the Oxford Road supermarket, as well as supporters of Brighter Futures from across Swindon and Wiltshire, voted online and in person for the charity to secure the backing of Sainsbury’s for the next 12 months.

In May, Brighter Futures launched its radiotherapy appeal, a campaign to raise £2.9m to equip a dedicated radiotherapy unit at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

Last year 700 patients from Swindon and Wiltshire were forced to make daily 70-mile round trips to Oxford’s Churchill Hospital, with the average treatment time taking between four and seven weeks.

An average of 3,000 people are diagnosed with some form of cancer every year at the hospital.

GWH Trust medical director Dr Guy Rooney said: “Think of how many people are driving every day to get lifesaving treatment. We have even heard sadly that people are giving up on treatment because they cannot do the drive. This new centre can change everything.

“Bringing this centre to Swindon will change the lives of the patients who are diagnosed with cancer. They will be able to come to a place they are familiar with and have the best care provided for them on their doorstep.”

Jennifer Green, the head of Brighter Futures, said: “I would like to thank every single person who went out of their way to vote for us.

"It means a huge deal to us given that we were up against two other really worthy causes.

“Having the support of one of the largest supermarkets in Swindon will be a massive boost to our Radiotherapy Appeal and will make a massive difference to so many local people who are suffering from cancer.”

The Sainsbury’s Local Charity Scheme involves individual stores supporting good causes and making a positive difference to people living in the immediate community.

Trish Carter, the charity co-ordinator at Sainsbury’s Stratton, said: “This scheme gives us the chance to work with local charities and support them by raising both money and awareness.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Brighter Futures and hope this partnership will go a long way in helping to bring radiotherapy treatment closer for people living in Swindon.”

Brighter Futures’ Radiotherapy Appeal has already struck a chord in the local community with people from all over Swindon and Wiltshire getting in front of the camera for a #TheTimeIsNow selfie.

People are encouraged to show their support by taking an arm’s length photo with a watch, clock or any other timepiece before sharing on either Facebook or Twitter. Anyone wanting to donate can do so by texting SWIN29, followed by either £5 or £10, to 70070.