FORCE Cancer Charity is moving all of its services in Okehampton to the town’s hospital.

Since June 2014, the charity has offered support for anyone affected by cancer in West Devon at Castle Ham Lodge every Wednesday.

In February 2018, FORCE also began funding the delivery of chemotherapy once a week at Okehampton Hospital.

From April 3, all of the services funded by the charity in the town will be moving from Castle Ham to run alongside chemotherapy sessions at Okehampton Hospital.

This mirrors what FORCE already delivers at hospitals in Tiverton and Honiton.

Meriel Fishwick, FORCE chief executive, said: ‘Castle Ham Lodge has provided a lovely setting for our services but we know from Tiverton and Honiton there are greater benefits in having the support services and chemotherapy under one roof. 

‘Our thanks to Castle Ham Lodge for being such great hosts for nearly five years.’

A team of professional staff and volunteers will be at the hospital on Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm to provide support and counselling, complementary therapies and information.

They will now be working alongside specialist nurses from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital who administer some of the more straightforward chemotherapy treatments to patients, saving them the journey to Wonford whenever possible.

FORCE offers all of its support free of charge.

For the full story and more coverage on the Walking with FORCE in Okehampton initiative and the appointment of a new outreach worker, pick up your copy of this week’s Okehampton Times.