HEALTH chiefs are calling on people to support the project to build a cancer centre for Gloucestershire following a major milestone.

The centre, to be built at Cheltenham General Hospital, recently received planning permission and now the finals funds need to be raised to make it a reality.

The new cancer centre will offer patients modern clinical and treatment spaces, access to digital consultations, a dedicated support centre for patients and loved ones, as well as peaceful therapeutic gardens.

As well as the new centre, the existing facilities in the current Oncology Centre will be upgraded as part of the second phase of the project.

More than 10,000 people have already donated to Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity’s Big Space Cancer Appeal to help transform cancer care in the county.

More than £9.8million has been raised towards the £12m estimated cost for the new build.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Kevin McNamara said: “We are delighted to reach this significant milestone of planning approval.

“This brings us one step closer to delivering a new state‑of‑the‑art centre to improve cancer services for our patients.

“Our vision as a Trust is to deliver the best possible care and experience for the people of Gloucestershire and the wider regions.

“Ahead of submission, over 1,000 patients, carers and members of the public were consulted to ensure the plans reflected what matters most to our community.

“The new facility will also enhance the work of our dedicated clinical teams, who have been instrumental in designing a space that meets the needs of the patients they care for.

“We are incredibly grateful to the community for their ongoing support and to every person who has contributed to The Big Space Cancer Appeal.”

Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity Associate Director, Richard Smith, said: “For every person whose life has been touched by cancer, we are delighted that planning has been approved.

“One in two people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime and 5,000 people from the local area begin treatment every year in our current facilities.” “Thanks to our amazing community, we are closer than ever to transforming cancer care for our patients and their families, as well as our incredible NHS teams.

“From fundraising challenges and events to charitable trusts and gifts in wills – every donation brings us closer to making this new centre a reality and we are so grateful to anyone who chooses to support.

“It is thanks to you we have reached this significant milestone of planning approval.”

An appeal supporter added: “I’m supporting The Big Space Cancer Appeal because I want the people who cared for me to have a modern, light and spacious place to work.

“We need to look after our clinicians, just as they look after us.

“When you receive the worst news, you know you are in the best hands, but patients and staff should also have the best environment.”

To find out more visit www.bigspacecancerappeal.co.uk