More patients than ever in Grantham are now able to receive their cancer treatment closer to home, thanks to a mobile unit.

Charity Hope for Tomorrow's popular Mobile Cancer Care Unit (MCCU) regularly tours Lincolnshire, offering patients undergoing treatment for cancer at United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT) the chance to receive more convenient care, closer to their homes.

The unit was launched in April 2014 by Phil Anyon, a senior member of the Mark Master Masons and husband to Elaine - who the unit is lovely named in memory of - after she sadly passed away from cancer.

'Elaine' helped to treat an impressive 1,775 patients last year and 1,431 people so far in 2019.

Head of Fundraising at Hope for Tomorrow Claire Cosgrove said: "Each week Elaine visits locations in Grantham, Louth, Spalding and Skegness, saving patients so much time in travelling.

"Time is at the heart of why we do what we do. We want to give cancer patients time to live life outside of cancer.

"The atmosphere and camaraderie amongst the patients, nurses and the driver is amazing and Elaine really does provide a vital service for our local communities."

It costs around £198 per day to keep Elaine on the road, so Hope for Tomorrow is always on the lookout for donations and support.

Chantelle Dawson, Deputy Sister for the MCCU, said: "I absolutely love working on the unit - it's a lovely environment to work in.

"The patients think it's fantastic because not only are they receiving their treatment but they also feel like they have their own little support group every time they come.

"There are only four chairs so the patients get the chance to really connect and I feel I have built therapeutic relationships with many of the patients who still like to pop their heads in every once in a while when the unit is nearby, even after finishing treatment.

"I think it's an amazing service to bring treatment closer to home for patients and I feel very proud to work alongside the Hope for Tomorrow charity which will always hold a special place in my heart."

For more information on the role of 'Elaine' and MCCUs, visit the Hope for Tomorrow website by clicking on the red button below and text MCCU to 70660 to donate £5 per month.