Ipswich Hospital and Macmillan Cancer Support have hailed the generosity of fundraisers, as the Woolverstone Wish project to launch a new cancer centre reaches it’s six month stage.

The two organisations have been raising funds for the £3.7million Woolverstone Macmillan Centre, which is due to open in 2016, and bring chemotherapy, oncology and day services under one roof.

The centre will also allow more than double the number of patients to be treated, with nearly 21,000 a year set to benefit from the centre.

The news comes after £1,121 was raised for the cause at a fun day event at the Margaret Catchpole pub in Cliff Lane.

Mandy Jordan, Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising manager for Norfolk and Suffolk, said: “We are humbled by the incredible support the local community has shown for the Woolverstone Wish Appeal.

“Local people and businesses have really got behind it since the official launch six months ago, from holding quiz nights to taking part in sports challenges – a huge thanks to everyone who has been involved so far.”

Around £50,000 was raised in the first 12 weeks, with more than £1,050,000 having been raised so far.

Cheryl Thayer, chair of the Woolverstone Wish group, said: “We continue to receive great support from patients, their families and the general public.

“Lots of people out there are holding fundraising events for us. Recently there was a dance in Grundisburgh, and the butchers on Cliff Lane in Ipswich held a street event with a hog roast. All these donations make a real difference.”

Members of the Woolverstone Wish group will be at the Copdock Motorcycle Show in October, where people can find out more about the project.

A win a car competition has also been launched, thanks to Truck R Us owners Guy and Trudi Nicholls donating an Audi A3 Sportback.

Ipswich businessman and councillor George Debman, who organised the bank holiday fun day alongside Margaret Catchpole landlord John Egan, said: “Our businesses are community based and it’s important we do things for the community.

“It’s a cause that’s close to my heart as I have lost a couple of friends through cancer, so I want to thank all the local businesses which contributed and everybody who turned up.”

To enter the car competition, text CAR to 86777 to receive £5 of tickets.