A CAMPAIGNER who spearheaded calls for Clacton to have its own dialysis unit says the facility will transform patients’ lives.

More than 300 people backed Janice Rowe’s petition for a renal unit in Tendring.

Earlier this month health bosses confirmed they were looking to set such a unit in Clacton.

The centre could be up and running in Kennedy Way by next spring, if it gets the go-ahead.

Mrs Rowe says it will slash travelling times for patients who currently to Colchester for dialysis.

She said: “They face a journey of 17 miles there and 17 miles back three times a week and it takes ages.

“A lot of people don’t feel well when they come off dialysis machines and then have that journey back.”

Around 70 per cent of people going to Colchester for dialysis are from the Clacton area.

Mrs Rowe, of Ipswich Road, Holland on Sea, launched a petition more than a year ago and enlisted MP Douglas Carswell’s help.

“He was appalled to think people had to travel to Colchester three times a week,” said the retired civil servant.

“This will make my life a lot easier. I won’t even have to use a taxi - my husband will be able to drop me off and pick me up.”