NEWSROOM

As part of its proposed 2026/27 Budget, the Council has pledged support for the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal, which aims to raise £5 million to build a new cancer centre at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.

To help boost donations, the Council has set aside a £250,000 commitment to match the next £250,000 raised by the Sunflower Appeal during the 2026/27 financial year.

Councillor Lee Carter, the Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said:

“Cancer touches almost every family. Statistics show that one in two people will face a diagnosis in their lifetime. That’s why access to vital treatment here in the Borough has never been more important, yet currently 37% of patients receiving treatment at the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre in Shrewsbury have a TF postcode. It feels especially fitting to make this announcement today, on World Cancer Day, a moment that focuses global attention on improving access to care and treatment for everyone affected. Which is why we are committed to supporting the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal, so more of our residents can access lifesaving care closer to home.

“The new treatment centre at the PRH will not only expand local provision but will also double overall treatment capacity alongside existing services in Shrewsbury. For people across Telford and Wrekin, this means shorter waiting times, shorter journeys, and easier access to care when it matters most, all while continuing to pay the lowest Council Tax rates in the Midlands.”

Tim Cooper, Chair of trustees for Lingen Davies, said this contribution from Telford & Wrekin Council to kickstart a match-funding campaign was a welcome sign that the Council is united behind this vital transformational project. 

"Lingen Davies was established to bring cancer services to the county in 1979 and we are delighted that as we approach our 50th anniversary we can deliver a second Lingen Davies Cancer Centre to support our region - in collaboration with the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, and this time in Telford. 

"Not only will the Centre double chemotherapy capacity for patients across the region, but it will also provide additional outpatients clinics, and dedicated urology and lung services. This is fantastic news for patients and their families impacted by cancer, and will ensure more people can access the care they need more easily, and closer to home.

"On behalf of everyone in the Lingen Davies community I would like to thank Telford & Wrekin Council for this commitment, and we are looking forward to supporting people fundraising for the £5million Sunflower Appeal," he added. 

Planned to open in 2029, the new Lingen Davies Cancer Centre will significantly expand the range and scale of local services. It will provide:

• 30 additional chemotherapy bays
• Urology and lung diagnostic clinics
• Facilities for outpatient appointments

In addition to supporting the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal, the Council’s draft 2026/27 Budget proposes £150 million in funding for vulnerable children, people with disabilities and older adults, equivalent to 70p of every £1 the Council spends on care and support for those who need it most.

Alongside maintaining the lowest Council Tax in the Midlands, the Budget sets out £437 million in capital investment in priorities residents value, including improving homes and roads, expanding schools, enhancing bus services, and supporting local high streets.

To find out more about the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal or make a donation, visit: www.lingendavies.co.uk/biggest-ever-appeal-launch-5000000

In support of World Cancer Day and the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal, Southwater One will be lit in yellow tonight (4 February).