A HOSPITAL fundraiser has thanked Swindon for its support – after the Brighter Futures’ radiotherapy appeal hit a fresh milestone.

The Great Western Hospital needs to raise £2.9 million to kit out a state-of-the-art new radiotherapy centre. It is hoped that the centre will stop cancer patients having to make the excruciating 70-mile round trip to Oxford’s Churchill Hospital for treatment.

This week, the appeal passed £2.1m. To date, generous Swindonians have raised £2,114,552 towards the radiotherapy appeal. Fundraisers have just  £800,000 left to raise.

Brighter Futures manager Chloe Thomas said it “felt amazing” to hit £2.1m: “The end is in sight now for us. It's like the dream is coming true.

"It's amazing to see the support from the community is still there."

It is believed that work on the new radiotherapy centre at the Marlborough Road hospital will begin before the end of the year.

To donate to Brighter Futures, visit: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.