A TEAM of dedicated fundraisers, whose efforts helped set up the chemotherapy outreach clinics, including the one in Tavistock, were formally thanked at a celebratory afternoon tea recently.

The event was hosted by Ann James, chief executive and Richard Crompton, chairman of Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.

The event is being held to say 'thank you' on behalf of all of the cancer patients that have received chemotherapy treatment at the three outreach centres in Kingsbridge, Tavistock and Liskeard.

Debbie Clift, cancer support nurse at the Triangle outreach centres, said: 'I would like to acknowledge the fantastic fundraising efforts from the local communities in Tavistock, Kingsbridge and Liskeard, as without your efforts we wouldn't have been able to provide over five thousand treatments that have been given to cancer patients closer to their homes over the last four years.

'It is very exciting that Derriford Hospital has now taken over the funding for this wonderful and highly important service and we look forward to it continuing in the same way.

'The local communities took this project to their hearts and so many people undertook amazing fundraising efforts to enable this to happen. Thank you one and all.'

The chemotherapy outreach project was formed to enable patients to be treated in local hospitals near to their homes.

During 2010 a huge fundraising initiative was launched which raised the £80,000 needed to kick-start this project and from January 2011, this meant that patients who were eligible were able to receive their chemotherapy at one of three local hospitals, Tavistock, Liskeard and Kingsbridge.

The project links closely with the Triangle outreach centres, which provide information, support, counselling and complementary therapies to all cancer patients and their carers, thereby ensuring that a truly comprehensive service is available as close to home as possible.

Sue Smith, cancer support centre manager, said: 'We are delighted to celebrate the fact that Derriford Hospital is now picking up the funding and making the outreach chemotherapy service permanent.

'So many people have worked so hard to fundraise and support what they believed was a very much needed service that enabled patients to receive their chemotherapy closer to home.

'A huge "leap of faith" was required from all involved fundraisers, staff and managers to begin the service, but this has been rewarded, with over 5,300 treatments being given closer to home since 2011 and was meant that many cancer patients have been able to spend less time travelling and more time doing the things they value.'