STAFF at a Swindon-based solicitors have declared Brighter Futures their charity of the year and have been busy drawing up fundraising plans for 2017.

Forrester Sylvester Mackett Solicitors, whose Swindon office is located in Devizes Road, invited partners and staff to nominate their chosen charities for the coming year. From the nominations put forward, votes were then cast to decide who the firm will be supporting as their charity of 2017.

Caroline Gassner, legal secretary at FSM, said: “We all know someone who has or is battling cancer and for us in the Swindon office this is particularly poignant as we have recently lost a much loved colleague.

“We feel that local people should not have to endure a long journey to receive treatment when they are already going through so much and to have this treatment available in Swindon will just make life so much easier”.

The Brighter Futures radiotherapy appeal is a charity very close to the hearts of the partners and staff of the firm, which has offices in Chippenham, Malmesbury, Swindon, Trowbridge and Warminster.

Staff across the firm are keen to get involved with fundraising and will involve various activities to raise money during the year, from cake sales to dress down days.

Chloe Thomas, community and events fundraiser at Brighter Futures, said: ‘‘We are absolutely delighted that FSM have chosen us as their charity of the year for 2017.

“Our radiotherapy appeal is so important for Swindon and the surrounding area. For many years, local people have campaigned for radiotherapy to be provided locally in Swindon. By working in partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, this can now be a reality at the Great Western Hospital.

“The new radiotherapy unit will service over 300,000 locally and allow cancer patients to have more time at home with their loved ones. The support of everyone at FSM is very welcome indeed.’’

So far £1,375,788 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 cut out and send in the attached form or log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.