New breast unit for county a step closer

The building where the proposed Worcestershire Breast Unit will operate from should campaigners raise the £1.8million needed to fund the project. (s)

A CAMPAIGN for a dedicated breast cancer unit at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital has raised half of the £1.8million needed to turn the plans into a reality.

The Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign has raised a total of £905,171 towards the landmark to fund the establishment of a new unit to be used by people across the county with breast-related issues.

Since it was established in 2007, the campaign has raised money through a variety of activities such as coffee mornings, raffles, fashion shows and concerts.

Caring volunteers and community groups have also raised cash through walking and cycling challenges, donations from local trusts and private individuals as well as cash from business sponsorships.

The unit has been on the agenda since 2002 when the Worcestershire Royal opened without a dedicated space for a specialist breast cancer unit.

Geoff Howard, campaign director for the project, said: "The support from the community throughout Worcestershire has been fantastic and continues to grow.

"Now that we have reached the important halfway point we will be able to go out to the national grant-making trusts and foundations.

"Such funders are reluctant to come on board in the early days, but are likely to be encouraged to support the campaign given this evidence of a groundswell of local support."

Anyone looking to organise an event to raise funds for the breast unit can call 01905 733786 or visit www.justgiving.com/worcestershirehospital-breastunit/donate to donate online.

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