Lawyers to help raise £2m for centre

5:31pm Monday 13th October 2008

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One of Oxford's biggest law firms is putting a team together to take part in a fundraising walk for the city's new cancer centre.

It's Not Just A Walk In The Park takes place at the University Parks on Sunday, October 26, in aid of the £109m Oxford Cancer Centre at the Churchill Hospital in Headington.

Darbys Solicitors are entering a team in the event and are trying to raise as much money as possible for the new centre, which is due to open by the end of the year.

Fundraisers have been given a target of raising £2m for additional funding to pay for new equipment and landscaped garden terraces.

Helen Niebuhr, a partner of the firm, said she had "spent far too much time in hospitals", because both her husband and sister died after battling lung cancer. She added: "Having a garden for patients and relatives to go to would have made the long periods spent at the hospital much more pleasant and when you know or fear that time is short, enjoying all that time becomes very important."

The 217-bed purpose-built cancer centre on the Churchill Hospital site will replace outdated facilities and bring specialist staff together.

Darbys partner Jenny Harvey said: "As one of the largest employers in the region, we help our local community wherever we can.

"The cancer centre is a cause that is close — too close — to all our hearts." Entry for the walk is £7.50 in advance, and free for children under 16.

Walkers are asked to try to raise at least £50 in sponsorship money.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Janet on 01865 743443 or visit cancercentreoxon.nhs.uk