A LOCAL charity, set up to fund a state-of-the-art cancer centre, has been given a boost by the Inner Wheel Club of Basingstoke.

The Inner Wheel group recently celebrated its 60th anniversary with a cream tea at Oakley Hall and, at the event, presented The Ark Cancer Centre charity with a cheque for £1,440. President Jenny Turner said the group had chosen to support the charity as many of the group’s members have had their lives touched by cancer.

Mrs Turner said: “The charity is particularly close to everyone’s hearts as many of the members have had contact with cancer in some form or another. We believe that the extra facilities will make treatment more comfortable, and we are already excited and looking forward to seeing building work commence.”

Vickie Randall, Ark cancer charity manager, said: “We are so delighted to have been supported over the last year by such a wonderful group of ladies who have worked hard with a variety of events to raise an amazing amount towards the centre.”

The Inner Wheel Club has raised the funds over the last year with lunches, coffee mornings and a stall at the Rotary Garden Festival. The money will be doubled by the Greenham Common Trust, making a total of £2,880.

The Ark Cancer Centre charity is raising £5million towards a new cancer centre offering radiotherapy, chemotherapy and complementary treatments, which is to be built at a location yet to be decided in north Hampshire.

Visit arkcancercharity.org.uk, email info@arkcancercharity.org.uk or call 01256 360419.