Plans to create a new cancer care centre in Cheltenham have been given a major boost, with a £2 million donation from a charitable trust.

The Big Space Cancer Care Appeal needs to raise a total of £17.5m to build a new modern centre at Cheltenham General Hospital to create a better environment for patients and staff.

The money will also be used to transform the existing Oncology Centre, where many of the current facilities are more than 25 years old.

Almost £8.5m has already been raised for the appeal, including an incredible £2 million from the Summerfield Charitable Trust, as well as a host of individual donations, fundraising challenges and business support.

To date, Gloucestershire-based Summerfield Charitable Trust has given more than £7m in grants to good causes across the county, supporting areas such as the arts, environment, education, regeneration and sport.

David Owen, chairman of trustees, said: "The Summerfield Charitable Trust is deeply committed to supporting this vital cause that will not only enhance the quality of care for patients, but also significantly improve the resources available to their families and the healthcare professionals who support them.

"This state-of-the-art facility will provide a haven for those affected by cancer, offering cutting-edge treatment, comprehensive support services and a compassionate environment where healing and hope can thrive."

The new centre will enable patients to see consultants, nurses, dieticians, psychologists and other specialists all in one place. There will also be a new therapeutic garden and private spaces where patients can decompress.

Mr Owen said: "It will be such an important facility for our community, and the Summerfield Trust is proud to help fund it. We understand this pledge is just one part of the broader fundraising effort needed to bring this vision to life, and we are confident that our contribution will be a catalyst for further support and help to galvanise the community to back this transformative project."

Fundraiser Clive Organ has already gone the extra mile for the appeal. He not only cycled more than 1,600km from Land's End to John O' Groats, but also climbed Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, while on the route.

The 60-year-old, from Churchdown, and his brother Dave, 61, from Cheltenham, have raised more than £5,800 so far with their sponsored bike ride in September.

Clive said: "When I watched the video about the appeal, I knew I wanted to do something to help. I have always wanted to do the Land's End to John O' Groats cycle ride.

"It was a tough ride in places, especially on all the hills of Devon and Cornwall. But every time it got hard, I thought about what we were doing it for, and it helped motivate us to keep going."

Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity is working in partnership with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to fund the new centre, with £4.5million pledged locally by the Trust and the Department for Health and Social Care.