THE Duchess of Gloucester opened a new cancer and renal wing, following an exhaustive campaign.

Funded solely by donations to the Rosemary Appeal, the Greenham Trust Wing was unveiled at West Berkshire Community Hospital on February 27.

The project costs more than £5.3 million and Her Royal Highness had the chance to meet patients during a tour of the facility.

Steve McManus, chief executive for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, paid special thanks to all those who made the new wing a reality.

He said: “I am delighted that we are here for the official opening of the Greenham Trust Wing.

"That it’s here and of the quality that it is, is thanks to many of the people who are here to celebrate its opening.

"I know there were a number of challenges along the way and I would like to say an enormous thank you and well done.

“Your thoughtfulness and generosity of your time, along with your fantastic fundraising efforts and donations received, are all very much appreciated.

"On behalf of us all and particularly the patients that will benefit, thank you once again.”

The new wing comprises of the Enborne Unit, providing a renal dialysis service, the Rosemary Centre delivering care to patients requiring chemotherapy and other intravenous therapies.

There is also the Sue Ryder day therapy centre, offering palliative, neurological and bereavement support.

HRH ended her visit by unveiling a commemorative plaque, joined by a plethora of special guests, including the Mayor of Newbury, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire and chair of West Berkshire Council.

Jenna Mckendrick, suffered acute kidney injury in September 2017, which resulted in her needing dialysis three times a week.

Explaining the impact the new unit has had on her life, she said: “Working part-time and with a young daughter I used to have to travel to the Royal Berkshire in Reading for my dialysis on what is known as the twilight shift to fit around my commitments. Sometimes I wouldn’t be home until after midnight.

“Having the new unit so close to home has made a huge difference. I now go for my dialysis in the afternoon and am back much earlier to enjoy family time. It really has transformed my life.”