A CAMPAIGN to create a new cancer centre in Colchester has received a major boost.

The £4.5million Cancer Centre Campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, has been awarded £100,000.

The grant has been made by the Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund, set up in memory of the actress who died in 1959, aged 32, from myeloid leukaemia.

The grant brings the total raised so far to £890,000.

Colchester Hospital’s Charity chairman Alan Rose said: “I was delighted to hear about the grant, which is the largest single donation so far.

“We hope to reach £1million soon and this grant has brought us a bit closer to that milestone.

“The campaign is the biggest fundraising appeal ever run by the trust’s charity and the support of local people and organisations has been wonderful.

“The Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund grant has given everyone a real boost.”

The fund was established in 1984 under the will of the late James Sainsbury CBE and is one of 17 grant-making trusts established by members of the Sainsbury family.

It awards grants for research and leukaemia care.

The fund has stipulated the £100,000 award must be used to benefit for haematology patients.

The campaign aims to provide an integrated cancer centre which combines radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medical treatments alongside a holistic range of therapies, information, support and advice for cancer patients and their families.

The opening of a £25million state-of-the-art radiotherapy centre last June was the first stage towards achieving the vision.

The second stage will see a new chemotherapy department and clinical haematology suite and all cancer-related services in one location next to the new radiotherapy centre.

ý To donate, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 or choose a different amount.

Cheques can be made payable to CoHoC Cancer Centre Campaign and sent to Colchester Hospitals Charity, Villa 10, Turner Road, Colchester, CO4 5JL.

Donations can also be by going to CohoC.org.uk We want to hear your fundraising activities. Contact us by emailing wendy.brading@nqe.com