A BRIDPORT firm is supporting a fundraising appeal for a new cancer centre at Dorset County Hospital.

Guy Crabb Plumbing and Heating will support fundraising for the new West Dorset Cancer Centre at the Dorchester hospital by donating 10 per cent of all boiler servicing revenue during the entire month of October to the appeal.

The new West Dorset Cancer Centre will transform cancer services for patients by providing radiotherapy services.

The £1.75m appeal has already secured one third of its target. For the first time, radiotherapy treatment will be available in Dorchester and patients will no longer have to travel to Poole for the treatment. In addition, chemotherapy facilities will be improved and counselling and support facilities will be provided for all cancer patients.

Guy Crabb, director of the Gore Cross firm, said: "It is such an important cause to support.

"We felt compelled to do something to contribute to the fundraising. Sadly we all know people affected by cancer and so many of them are travelling to Poole and back, day after day.

"To have a local resource they can go to for treatment and support would go a long way to help them deal with an already difficult situation."

Now that planning permission has been received for the new radiotherapy bunkers, things are beginning to change on the hospital site.

This month, the prefabricated building which currently occupies the site will be taken down and the contents moved to another part of the hospital, then work on the radiotherapy bunkers can start.

Andrew House, head of fundraising, said: "We are thrilled to have Guy Crabb Plumbing and Heating from Bridport joining us in our fundraising for the cancer appeal.

"So please don’t delay and get your boiler serviced in October. Your support of this initiative will raise much needed funds for the Dorset County Hospital charity cancer appeal."

He added: "We’ve had donations and pledges of more than £50,000 in the past few weeks and this takes our appeal total up to £460,000.

"We are also getting a lot of support from local businesses, community groups and from members of the public who have personally experienced the affects of cancer. We are working on a number of projects with local companies which should raise a lot of money over the next year.”

Lead cancer nurse, Abi Orchard said the project is a "golden opportunity".

She added: "The new facilities will also improve chemotherapy facilities providing private and soundproofed areas for patient consultations and space for relatives or friends to sit with chemotherapy patients during treatment.”

To show your support for the appeal and book a boiler service, please call the office on 01308 420464 or email office@guycrabb.co.uk