COMEDIAN and Brighter Futures patron Rory Bremner is continuing to pledge his support to the Great Western Hospital's Radiotherapy Appeal.

The Appeal received a welcome boost last month when NHS England gave the go-ahead for a new Radiotherapy Unit to be built.

It will be an expansion of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s radiotherapy service, meaning local cancer patients no longer have to make the 70-mile round trip to Oxford for treatment.

Rory is encouraging everyone to do what they can to help bring radiotherapy to Swindon.

He said: “Now NHS England has given the go-ahead, the vision of a Radiotherapy Unit in Swindon - ending long and anxious journeys for thousands of local patients - is a big step closer. Now we need the money - £2.9 million - and quickly. Please give as much as you can for a great local cause.”

The comedian has been involved with the appeal since its launch in May 2015, when he fronted its campaign video.

So far the Radiotherapy Appeal has raised £370,000, just over 12 percent of the total needed to fund equipment for the new Radiotherapy Unit.

Jennifer Green, Head of Fundraising for Brighter Futures, said: “We’ve already raised £370,000 towards the £2.9 million we need to pay for the equipment for a new Radiotherapy Unit and we now need more local people, businesses and organisations to get behind our Appeal.

“Around 700 local cancer patients a year face the 70-mile round trip to Oxford each day for radiotherapy treatment, which usually lasts for four to seven weeks. Bringing cancer care closer to home will make a massive difference to so many local families.

“Contact Brighter Futures on 01793 605631 or visit our website www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk to find out how you can show your support.”