A TRIO of staff in Colchester’s radiotherapy centre are to plunge from the skies to raise money for a new cancer centre.

Radiographer Ali Hughes-Jones, Gemma Steggles, who is a radiotherapy support officer and Hayley Cole, who is a radiotherapy dietician, are all taking part in the sky dive next month.

Their challenge has been inspired by the £4.5 million bid for a new cancer centre at Colchester General Hospital.

The appeal, which is supported by the Gazette, aims to create a new centre on top of the radiotherapy centre meaning cancer treatments and support services will be brought together on the same site.

Ali said: “It is quite common for patients to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy but the Mary Barron suite, where they get chemotherapy, is at the other end of the hospital.

“It is quite a haul for someone who is not very well to get from one side of the hospital to the other.

“To have the two treatments physically in the same place would make a world of difference for patients and staff.”

For Ali, there is a personal as well as professional motivation for supporting the centre.

She said: “My husband, Chris, had cancer in his head and neck. He has just completed a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and this is my way of giving something back.

“I know how important it will be.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor Ali, Gemma or Hayley can do so via the justgiving website by searching on their names.

To support the Cancer Centre Campaign, text GAZE11 £10 to 70070 (or chose a different amount).

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

Donations can also be made online by going to www.CohoC.org.uk.

For more information, email Caroline Bates on caroline.bates@colchesterhospital.nhs.uk.