HOSPITAL fundraisers are celebrating after the radiotherapy appeal hits £1.9million.

The new total pushes Great Western Hospital’s Brighter Futures campaign one step closer to its goal of hitting £2million by Christmas.

Fundraisers need to raise £2.9million to kit out a much-needed radiotherapy unit at the Marlborough Road hospital.

The unit will help treat patients diagnosed with cancers and other tumours. Currently, cancer patients face a 70-mile round trip for treatment at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital.

This week it was announced that the radiotherapy appeal hit £1,906,000.

Catherine Newman, head of fundraising at GWH, said of her team’s goal to reach £2m by Christmas Day: “It’s a big target. It’s going to stretch us beyond belief and we’ve still for a huge mountain to climb to get us there.

“However, we’ve noticed such a big increase in donations over the summer.

“Our supporters want this radiotherapy centre more than anything. We’re asking them to stay with us.

“I’ve got a lot of faith in Swindon. I’m very proud of this town.”

She said that a new radiotherapy centre would help those suffering with cancer face a better chance of survival.

“If this centre means more people can spend more time with their loved ones that will be brilliant,” Catherine said.

A month before Christmas Day – on Saturday, November 25 – the Brighter Futures will hold a Christmas Fair at Stratton’s Grange Community Centre, from 10am – 3pm.

It will feature 40 craft stalls, selling stocking fillers. The hospital’s Harmony Choir will belt out Christmas bangers at the free event.

For more, visit: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.