KIDS and grown-ups are gearing up for a fun-filled Saturday as the Coleview Community Centre hosts a family fun day in aid of the radiotherapy appeal.

The Centre, located in Towcester Road, will be transformed into a fair ground spectacular, with a host of nerve-jangling rides and free activities on offer.

Billed as ‘an event for all the family to enjoy while raising money for the appeal’, activities will include adult’s and children’s bouncy castles, face painting, martial arts demonstrations, an ale and cider tent and a barbecue, as well as a lot more.

Last year, the team held a fun day at the Croft Sports Centre, Marlborough Lane, and managed to raise around £1,500 for the appeal. This year they hope to make it an even bigger event, with all funds going to Brighter Futures.

Organiser Emma Cotton, who also works as a PA to one of the directors at the hospital, said: “It is going to be a really good event, not to be missed.

“As well as a great family day out, it is also a way to thank all the staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

“It was more difficult last year because we had no funds so had to do it on donations alone. But this year we had funding from Coleview Community Centre, so we have been able to branch out a little bit more.”

Speaking about the need to install a radiotherapy unit at the GWH, Emma said: “At the moment, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer with cancer, you have to make the 70 mile round trip to Oxford every day for treatment.

“It is very important to have a radiotherapy unit in Swindon. We all know of somebody with cancer and it’s an appeal that is close to all our hearts.

“It is awful that they have to do that long trip, especially when the treatment can be over in minutes.”

The event will also feature live music from a range of local acts, including pop/rock covers band Zing, Sister Sister, freelance musician Chris O’Leary, teen singer/songwriter Charlie-Anne and Jenny Bracey.

So far £934,495 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support. To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.