Video: Help us to give cancer patients a brighter life

Macmillan Cancer Support is planning to build a new cancer centre at Lister Hospital in Stevenage.

But it will cost £2.9 million and they cannot do it without your help. £1.5 million must come from members of the public so get thinking of fundraising ideas.

Many of you will have been affected by cancer, either personally or through a friend or family member. This is your chance to dig deep and help those who are struck down by the disease in the future.

Stevenage Borough Council granted planning permission for the new unit earlier this week. The new centre will be managed by the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust and it will bring the vast majority of the hospital’s cancer services under one roof.

The new unit will nearly double Lister’s chemotherapy capacity and dramatically reduce the cramped conditions for patients and staff.

It will also create a dedicated information and support centre for patients and their families. Additionally there will be two gardens for patients to relax in whilst undergoing treatment.

Jonathan Levantine, chair of the Biggleswade Macmillan Fundraising committee, said: “The Lister Macmillan Cancer Centre is great news for the people of Biggleswade.

“As a committee we will be fundraising for it with a very specific focus. It will be a lot easier for local people affected by cancer as it will mean a much shorter journey for their treatment.

“Travelling a long way for chemotherapy can be a bit of a nightmare so the new centre at the Lister Hospital will really help people.”

The new unit will provide consistent access to a team of Macmillan welfare benefits advisors and more consultation rooms to allow patients more privacy.

There will be more working areas for Lister nurses and other clinical staff to prepare drugs, improve efficiency and reduce waiting times.