A GENEROUS donation of £7,500 from the Forest of Dean Rotary Club has helped complete a £43,000 appeal for equipment to fight breast cancer.

The ‘Gamma Probes’ appeal by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity is now complete, with patients soon to benefit from the lifesaving technology.

The new probes will be used directly in surgery, helping Gloucestershire’s Breast Cancer team stop the disease spreading.

Clare Fowler, consultant breast and endocrine surgeon, said: “It’s vital for our surgical team to know precisely where cancer could be located, and whether it is spreading, in order to treat it in the most effective way possible.

“The gamma probes will give us updated technology which will greatly help our work.

“As someone who works first-hand with breast cancer patients, I know what an impact this appeal will make for local people.”

The donation followed the contributions made by many other supporters who had donated funds, raised sponsorship through challenges and got behind the charity’s ‘Cupcake Campaign’ with Jane’s Pantry, which was supported by everyone from Gloucester Rugby Club’s players to local businesses.

Richard Smith, head of fundraising, said: “We are very grateful indeed to the Rotary club for their incredible support, which will make a direct impact on the lives of local people who are fighting cancer.

“We have a leading cancer team here in Gloucestershire, and donations help to support their work by providing specialist equipment and improvements to facilities which otherwise would not be possible.

“The contributions which we have received to this appeal have been hugely appreciated.”