BBC Broadcaster Nicholas Owen helped launch a £1.3 million fundraiser for the new cancer centre planned for East Surrey Hospital.

Mr Owen hosted last week's proceedings at Reigate Grammar School, where cancer patients and MacMillan professionals shared their stories and insights into plans for the new centre.

Guests were able to inspect state-of-the-art architectural designs, as well as being encouraged to pledge vital funds for the project.

Cancer patient Gill Burch, from Redhill, said: “I know that I would have benefitted so much from having a local Macmillan Cancer Information Centre – it would have made such a difference, so I really hope that the money to build one at East Surrey Hospital will be found very soon.”

It is hoped that the new East Surrey Macmillan Cancer Support Centre, backed in partnership with Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust, will be able to provide patients and their loved ones extra support, such as counselling services or financial advice.

Scheduled to open in late 2015, MacMillan claims the centre will provide “all-round support in a calm, non-clinical environment, with the simple goal of helping people affected by cancer to live their lives as well as possible.”

Helen Poursain, Macmillan Area Fundraising Manager for Surrey and Kent, added: “Nothing like this exists at the moment for people affected by cancer in East Surrey and we’re delighted to be working with the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust on this vital service. We’ve got big plans for the centre and we need the region to really get behind the appeal and help us raise the £1.3million.

“It’s a big target but I am confident that with the support and enthusiasm of the people of Surrey we can reach our target and build this fantastic facility.

“There are loads of ways to support our appeal, for example making a one off personal donation, getting your workplace or social club to hold events for us, or even taking on a personal challenge like a half marathon or sponsored cycle ride.”

Currently, cancer patients in Redhill and Reigate must undertake a 20-mile round trip to their nearest support centre at The Olive Tree, in Crawley.