NEARLY £200,000 has been earmarked by the Mid Wales Scanner and Cancer Appeal to boost a scheme to set up a state-of-the-art cancer treatment unit at Aber­ystwyth.

The appeal, launched in 1989 by the then Ceredigion MP Geraint Howells, has already funded a whole body CT scanner at Bronglais Hospital plus equipment for its Meurig Ward – the first dedicated oncology ward in west Wales.

Now, the appeal committee has pledged the £193,000 left in its fund towards a proposed scheme to set up a purpose-built chemotherapy unit providing palliative care at Bronglais.

The unit would also include patient video-conferencing facilities linked to a major centre in Swansea to help patients avoid travelling issues.

The hospital’s existing restricted chemotherapy unit already holds around £250,000 charitable funds and the appeal committee unanimously approved a proposal by Mr Howells’ widow, Lady Olwen Howells, “to commit its residual funds to the development of a new chemotherapy unit at Bronglais”.

Committee treasurer Emyr James said the commitment will last for two years, after which it will be reviewed to assess the progress made in providing the proposed development at that time.

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