ALMOST £2,000 a day has been donated to the Great Western Hospital’s radiotherapy unit appeal since it started a year ago.

The Brighter Futures total now stands at more than £685,000.

“This first year has been really phenomenal and everyone involved has been completely blown away by the response we’ve had from local people and businesses,” said trustee Kevin McNamara.

The £2.9 million appeal has been boosted over the months by dozens of sponsored events and fundraisers.

Many people have become involved as a result of personal or family experience of being treated for cancer and have endured the journey to the nearest available radiotherapy unit an hour away in Oxford.

Helen Clarke did the Superhero Run at Lydiard Park earlier this month, having recently undergone a double mastectomy following confirmation by doctors that she had the breast cancer gene BRCA2.

She said: “My mum has beaten breast cancer twice. The first time she was able to get herself to and from Oxford with the help of this ancient blue Mini my dad had bought for her.

“But the second time around, she struggled with the illness more and there’s no way she’d have been able to get to Oxford on her own. Surviving breast cancer not just once but twice is amazing, she’s my hero.

“When I was recovering from surgery, I needed something to aim for. As soon as I heard about the radiotherapy appeal, I knew I had to do something. Bringing this treatment closer to home is now firmly on my list.”

Businesses and local groups have also lent their support. Recently Malmesbury League of Friends handed over £50,000. New Mayor of Swindon has also decided to make it one of his mayoral charities.

The appeal is backed by TV celebrity Rory Bremner who said last month that he hoped it would reach the halfway mark by Christmas.

Mr McNamara said: “What’s important now is that we remain focused on raising the money to provide the people of Swindon with a radiotherapy unit that will be used for generations to come.”

“There’s a long way to go before we reach £2.9 million but I have every confidence that with the help of our supporters we’ll get to where we need to be.”

Anyone wanting to support the appeal can visit brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk for more information.