THE Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) appeal has now raised £310,937 since its link up with the County Gazette.

The cash helps equip the Beacon Centre cancer unit at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.

Collections of 5p coins include £324.45 from the Beacon Centre, £102 from Hazel Clist, family and friends, £54.55 from Blagdon Retirement Village, £40.70 from the ladies of the New Horizon Singers, £35.05 from Andy Jenkins, £22.20 from the Police Pensioners and £5.10 from John and Barbara, from the Isle of White.

Donations include £355.40 from Moose International from a concert in tribute to the late Eric Saffin, a SURE stalwart for many years; £320.70 from the Reformed Hall, Wellington; £245 from West Buckland WI, which held a social evening; £100 from an alms collection at a meeting of the Alfred Chapter Rose Croix No 13; and £50 from the partners and solicitors of Stokes Partners LLP, who donated their oath witness fees.

SURE has launched a Christmas greetings page on its new website www.surecharity.org.uk – supporters are invited to send festive greetings and make a donation to the charity instead of paying for cards and postage.