to raise funds for Colchester’s Cancer Centre Campaign.

Six community-minded lawyers gave their services for free for the campaign which aims to bring cancer services together on one site.

The members of the trust and probate team for legal practice Birkett Long drew up nearly 30 wills and raised more than £3,000 towards the planned £3.25 million centre.

The legal team waived their usual fees in return for a donation of £85 to the charity for a single will, or £150 for a couple’s will- raising a total of £3,170.

The donations of time were to support the Colchester Hospital’s Charity’s Make a Will Month.

Julie Arthur, Colchester Hospital’s Charity’s fundraising officer, said: “This is a exciting time for the Cancer Centre Campaign as we are well on the way to achieving the £1.25 million to build the new centre.

“We couldn’t do this without the support of businesses like Birkett Long and their continued support is very much appreciated.” Birkett Long partner Liz Jones, from the wills, trust and probate team, said: “As well as supporting a vital campaign, Make a Will Month helps to raise awareness of the importance of making a will.

“If you don’t make a will then your property, money and personal possessions will be distributed according to the law, and you may have a long term partner, friends or relatives who are left out. If you want to ensure your wishes are followed, you need to have a will in place.”

The Cancer Centre Campaign aims to raise £3.25 million to create a new centre which will allow all clinical and support services to be provided in one location at Colchester General Hospital.

At the moment chemotherapy and haematology treatments are given on the other side of the hospital to the radiotherapy centre - a quarter of a mile away.

The appeal was boosted by a £1 million donation from a mystery Good Samaritan on condition the remaining £1.25 million is raised by next February.

N For more information on how you can support the campaign, visit cohoc.org.uk/cancer-centre-campaign/ our-cancer-care-vision.

This will give details on how to donate to the campaign. To donate directly through the Gazette, test Gaze11 £10 to 70070 or chose a different amount.

If you are fundraising for the cancer centre campaign, we want to hear your story.

Cal us on 01206 508414 or email gazette.newsdesk@nqe.com.