THIS is the first look inside the state-of-the-art cancer support centre to be built at East Surrey Hospital.
Cancer charity Macmillan has unveiled its vision for the £1.5million project, which will bring the first information and advice centre to this part of the country.
The scheme was given the go-ahead by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council last year, and building work will begin shortly, with the opening scheduled for the end of the year.
The centre, which will boast a "calm, non-clinical" environment, has been designed by experts and people affected by cancer.
Its location in Canada Avenue also means patients will no longer have to make a 20-mile round trip to centres in Crawley, Guildford or Purley.
Ele Denman, 41, from Reigate, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and uterine cancer in February 2014.
She said: "I have been going to The Olive Tree [Crawley centre] for the past eight months.
"Having complementary therapies available has enabled me to manage my way through cancer treatments and assist me on my journey back to health.
"There were times however when I could not get to The Olive Tree due to distance, and those were the times I struggled.
"Unless you've been in this situation it is very difficult to imagine the continuous toll the persistent treatments and appointments at various hospitals can be.
"To have a centre locally is something very necessary. The benefit for many will be invaluable – the patients, their families, and carers, who will have the opportunity to tap into these resources, because cancer touches not only the patient but all of those around them."
Visitors to the centre can receive advice on coping with cancer and its treatment, counselling services, financial advice and support, complementary therapies, exercise programmes and a range of classes for support during and after treatment.
Jane Penny, lead cancer nurse for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs East Surrey Hospital, said: "It is fantastic to see these images.
"It shows the peaceful and friendly place that for our cancer patients, their family and friends will soon be able to attend to receive the support they need."
Helene Poursain, Macmillan area fundraising manager for Surrey and Kent, added: "I hope these images of what will be created at East Surrey Hospital will inspire people to help make it a reality by joining forces with us to raise the vital funds we need."
