GENEROUS Rotarians and their guests have given a boost to the drive to raise £5million towards a trailblazing cancer centre.

Audleys Wood Hotel, on the outskirts of Basingstoke, was the venue for the well-attended fundraiser organised by The Rotary Club of Basingstoke.

The evening was a great success as more than £5,000 was raised for the Ark Cancer Centre Charity and other Rotary-supported charities.

And the coffers of the cancer centre charity will be swelled by twice the amount donated to the good cause as match-funding is being provided by Greenham Common Trust, which is supporting the project.

In total, 112 Rotarians and their guests enjoyed a three-course meal and fantastic entertainment from Basingstoke singer-songwriter Natasha Watts, young dancers from Spotlight UK, in Popley, Basingstoke, and musicians from Sherfield School.

The Fine Wines for the evening were donated by Basingstoke solicitors Lamb Brooks whose joint managing partner Ann Davies thanked people for their support.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller pulled out the Champagne prize-winning tickets, and an auction, which was compered by Rotary Club past president Bob Jenner, featured some superbly supported lots including a weekend for eight in a luxury town house in Bath.

President of The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Mark Flower who, with his wife Clare and others, was one of the driving forces behind the event, said: “Thank you to everyone who has helped to make this evening happen. It has exceeded our expectations in terms of the amount that has been raised.”

Merv Rees, consultant surgeon and clinical director of surgery for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and one of the trustees of the Ark Cancer Centre Charity, thanked those present for their support for the campaign to build the £18.5m centre, which has been earmarked for a site at North Waltham near to junction 7 of the M3 and next to a planned £150million Critical Treatment Hospital.

Mr Rees said: “The generosity of the Rotarians and their guests was marvellous. It is amazing support like this that will be key to delivering this landmark cancer centre which will make such a difference to so many people’s lives.”

The cancer centre will benefit the population served by HHFT, which includes people in Basingstoke and Deane, Andover, and Winchester.