FUND-RAISERS across the district are being encouraged to keep digging deep in aid of Stratford Hospital’s £1million appeal.
Hospital chiefs are looking to create a new cancer and state-of-the-art eye treatment centre at the existing site on Arden Street.
It is hoped the £1million appeal will help fund everything from specialist chemotherapy chairs to iPads, which do not come as standard in the £22million hospital.
Plans were officially given the green light by Stratford District Council back in October 2014 with the overall building project expected to last just over two years.
The new cancer unit will be made up of 12 treatment chairs and two side rooms – allowing chemotherapy to be carried out on site and providing an emergency cancer unit for patients to receive specialist care rather than using Accident and Emergency.
There will also be a Macmillan Cancer Support information centre similar to the one in the Aylesford Unit at nearby Warwick Hospital.
The eye unit meanwhile, will give people access to specialised eye treatment facilities and is set to include a new state-of-the-art theatre – designed to treat a range of eye conditions.
Hospital chiefs hope the new facilities will help reduce travel time and make it easier for patients who live within Stratford district and south Warwickshire.
A recent film night showing 70s classic Grease boosted the appeal’s coffers by over £2,200 – bringing the overall total to £786,000.
A host of other fund-raising events are set to take place in the coming months including a music and entertainment evening at Stratford ArtsHouse on October 27 inspired by Dr Terry Gasper – a keen volunteer and former GP at Rother House Surgery.
Appeal bosses are also hoping to repeat the success of the previous film night by screening Mamma Mia at The Riverside in Tiddington Road on November 10.
And Take Flight Aviation has pledged its support by offering an adrenaline-filled flying experience over the weekend of November 12 and 13.
Thrill-seekers who are over 16 and agree to raise £300 in sponsorship will have the chance to take in the skies of south Warwickshire and enjoy a private flying lesson.
Director of development Jayne Blacklay said she was delighted with the appeal’s progress to date.
She told The Observer: “The support we have received from individuals, local businesses, community groups and trusts is overwhelming and demonstrates just how much they value the new hospital.
“While we have achieved so much already, there is still a way to go until we reach the £1million target so I would urge everyone to continue their support and help make Stratford Hospital the best it can be.”
The hospital is expected to open next spring.
Visit www.stratfordhospital.co.uk for further information or email [email protected] to get involved with fund-raising.
