A bid to make the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital a regional leader for cancer treatment has moved a step closer after an ambitious fundraising appeal hit the three quarter way mark.

Bosses at the hospital launched the Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal (TRA) almost two years ago to raise £600,000 to provide more state-of-the-art facilities to treat more cancer patients from Norfolk and north Suffolk locally.

Officials from the Colney site are now calling on the public to help them get over the finishing line after the generosity of local people resulted in the appeal hitting the £450,000 milestone.

Cancer specialists are hoping to raise the money by next year to provide a new radiotherapy service for patients, known as high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy.

The new facilities at the Colney Centre would mean the N&N would become one of just a handful of hospitals in the country offering HDR prostate brachytherapy. Currently, men living in Norfolk who need that treatment have to travel to London.

Anna Dugdale, hospital chief executive, said: 'We are delighted to have reached the three quarter milestone in this appeal, the support and generosity of the public and local organisations has been amazing. The Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal will enable us to make a real difference to cancer patients across Norfolk and north Suffolk.'

The hospital hopes to treat around 100 prostate cancer patients a year with brachytherapy, which is more effective in targeting a tumour than radiotherapy and can significantly reduce treatment times.

The N&N already treats around 50 patients a year with brachytherapy for cervical cancer. However, £600,000 would be spent on buying new equipment and constructing an operating theatre to treat some prostate, lung, colon and oesophageal cancers.

Louise Cook, fundraising manager, added: 'We are now on the final push to hit our target. We still have some fundraising events planned over the next couple of months including our sponsored bike ride taking place on August 31. The bike ride is a great opportunity to get active and enjoy a lovely day out in the Norfolk countryside.'

'I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated to the appeal so far.'

Anyone who wants to sign up to the cycle ride can visit https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/110129/NNUH-99-9-Sportive#entry

Donate online by visiting www.justgiving.com/NNUH-TargetedRadiotherapyAppeal.

Text a donation by texting NNUH44 £10 to 70070. Donations can also be sent to the NNUH Charitable Fund, 6th Floor, Fundraising, 20 Rouen Road, Norwich Norfolk NR1 1QQ

Have you got a story about your fight with cancer? Email adam.gretton@archant.co.uk