A CAMPAIGN to build a state of the art breast cancer screening unit in Coventry has been backed by a national TV presenter who has donated £3,000 to the cause.
Gloria Hunniford made the donation to Coventry and Warwickshire’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal taking it to just £80,000 from its £400,000 target. It is hoped the new unit will be opened in 2016.
This drive was launched by the University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) Charity last year to increase breast screening services in Solihull, Warwickshire and Coventry by funding a new unit with the latest technology to identify breast cancer more quickly.
Gloria set up a fundraising charity to support cancer charities when her daughter and Blue Peter presenter Caron Keating, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, died in April 2014.
Her donation came with a letter which said: “It is a pleasure to have awarded the £3,000 for your valuable work.
“It takes great dedication to provide help to those battling with cancer and to their families who need support.”
Adela Appleby, Head of UHCW Charity, said more people than ever before were being diagnosed with breast cancer but the good news was survival rates were improving.
She added: “We are grateful to Gloria for her support as it will help us to save the lives of local women by taking us one step closer to opening our new breast cancer screening unit.”
Residents are also being encouraged to sign-up for the Jingle Jog festive 5km fun run at Ryton Pools Country Park on December 6, where participants will receive a free Santa suit.
To donate to the cause visit uhcwcharity.org or call 02476 966059 for more.
