Hillross Horsham principal and Wimmera Health Care Group board of management member Richard Goudie said members of the financial planning business had been touched by cancer.

‘‘Our office has had many clients affected by this terrible disease,’’ he said.

‘‘Our founding partner Wayne Simmons lost his wife Helen Simmons, aged 43, to cancer.Wayne, a cancer survivor himself, said the level of care Helen received in Horsham was second to none.

‘‘This is a cause very close to all our hearts. Our staff member, Deanne Christian, was 36 when she lost her battle to cancer in 2008.’’

Wimmera Health Care Group chief executive Chris Scott said it was difficult to find words to explain the organisation’s gratitude towards Hillross Horsham.

‘‘It is an extremely generous contribution to an incredibly worthy cause and for that we are very grateful,’’ he said.

‘‘The community supporting this project is what is going to make it happen.

‘‘Our goal is to greatly improve cancer services to the region and donations like this are going to make that goal a reality.’’

Mr Goudie said he and his fellow staff were more than happy to donate to the Wimmera Cancer Centre project.

‘‘It is our pleasure to support this essential project,’’ he said.

‘‘This is all about improving cancer outcomes in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

‘‘We would encourage any other businesses or individuals to support this fundraiser.’’

Wimmera Healthcare Group expects the new oncology centre to cost about $3 million.

‘‘Anyone interested in making a contribution to the project can do so by calling the

hospital on 5381 9209 or dropping their donation into the main hospital reception,’’ Mr Scott said.

‘‘All donations are tax-deductible.’’