PEOPLE from across west Suffolk have been urged to do their bit to help further improve care and diagnosis for cancer patients by supporting a huge community event this summer.

It’s a Bury Knockout takes place on Hardwick Heath, in Bury St Edmunds, on Sunday,July 22.

Organised by West Suffolk Hospital, West Suffolk College and Sport for Rwanda, it will feature a fun-packed knockout competition as well as a traditional fete, fundraising stalls and games and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

All proceeds from the event will be split between new state-of-the-art cancer diagnostic equipment for the hospital and Sport for Rwanda.

Two different pieces of equipment have been added to the hospital’s wish-list, depending on how much is raised.

Up to �24,000 will fund a portable ultrasound machine, which will allow doctors to determine what stage a patient’s lung cancer has reached more quickly so that appropriate treatment can begin.

A total of �25,000 or more will pay for a saturation biopsy probe, which helps diagnose prostate cancer early with minimal discomfort for the patient. At the moment, patients have to travel to other hospitals for this diagnostic test.

Dermot O’Riordan, medical director at the hospital, said: “The money we raise from this fantastic community event will make a big difference to cancer patients at West Suffolk Hospital.

“It will allow us to invest in new, state-of-the-art equipment which will improve diagnosis and prevent patients from having to travel elsewhere for tests.

“We hope that lots of people come along to support the event and help us raise a knockout total so we can continue to ensure that every cancer patient at West Suffolk Hospital receives the best possible care available.”

For more information on the event or the two charities it supports, visit www.buryknockout.com. Alternatively, you can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/wshtcf