NEW fundraising events are being launched in a bid to get ever closer to the target for a new cancer centre.

The Cancer Centre Campaign, which is supported by the Gazette, is nearing its target of £3.25 million but still needs to raise more than £700,000 by February.

Mary Parfitt, who has already raised more than £7,000 for the appeal, is also a member of the Tiptree fundraising committee.

Mary was determined to raise money for the campaign after she received excellent treatment at Colchester General Hospital.

She underwent a number of treatments including a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Tiptree group hopes to boost the funds for the appeal through a musical performance.

The Maldon Orchestra will be play at St Luke’s Church in Tiptree on September 15.

The performance will include a selection of light music featuring guest singer, Colin Bellett.

Tickets are £7 each and can be bought from Mary Parfitt on 07989575306 or maryparfitt@btinternet.com.

A raffle including five top prizes, will also be helping raise the much-needed funds.

Prizes include a 4G smartphone, a Bosch Vacuum cleaner worth £140, £200 of L’Oreal makeup and a meal for two at the Maypole Chinese restaurant.

Tiptree Parish Council has also organised a quiz night which will be held at the community centre on October 21.

Tickets are £4 per person with teams being made up of six people.

A raffle will also be available with more than £800 worth of prizes up for grabs.

Doors open at 7pm with all profits being donated to the Cancer Centre Campaign.

The Cancer Centre Campaign, which is led by Colchester Hospitals Charity, aims to raise a total of £3.25 million to build a new centre.

Currently, patients having chemotherapy are treated in the Mary Barron suite which is a quarter of a mile away from the radiotherapy centre.

The suite is also based in a temporary building.

If the money can be raised for a new centre, it will be created next to the radiotherapy centre making treatment easier for both staff and patients.

The new centre will feature 37 treatment suites for chemotherapy and haematology patients and will also feature a wellness centre and support services.

To donate to the appeal, text Gaze11 £10 to 70070 or whatever amount you prefer.

Alternatively, go to the Colchester Hospitals Charity website at cohoc.org.uk to donate money or to get more information on fundraising events being held to boost the total.

  • If you are raising money for the Cancer Centre Campaign, let us know.

As supporters of the appeal, we are happy to give publicity to events. Call us on 01206 508414.