Work to begin on cancer centre

The charity has spent nearly £1m on cancer treatment equipment

The green light has been given for work to start on a new cancer centre in Exeter.

More than £500,000 has been raised for the unit on a site next to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre (Force) cancer charity, which is based in Exeter, has been working on plans for a new support centre for the past two years.

Building should start in September with the new facility opening its doors to patients the following summer.

More fundraising

The Force organisation offers advice and complimentary therapy to patients and their families.

Over the last years 13 years, it has also spent nearly £1m on cancer treatment equipment.

Despite raising the bulk of the money needed to build the unit, the charity hit a major stumbling block 18 months ago when planners said their site next to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital was not suitable.

Now, however, it is celebrating after finally getting the go-ahead.

The charity hopes to generate another £150,000 towards the new unit.