FUNDRAISERS hit the ground running this summer for cancer patients at Poole Hospital.

The 32nd Poole Festival of Running raised a whopping £12,000 this year, which will be spent on making treatment rooms more comfortable.

Hundreds took part in the popular race, and a date for next year’s event has already been set.

Karen Bew, brachytherapy superintendant at the hospital, said: “We are going to put the money towards a variety of different things. One of the items we’re very keen to buy for the unit are bags filled with small polystyrene balls that mould around the patient. This keeps them nice and still when they’re getting treatment, and they’re also comfortable. The aim is to have one of these for every patient receiving treatment, as the bags can hold the shape that the person has been lying in.”

Patients will also be able to listen to calming music thanks to fundraisers.

“We’re going to get a set of iPod Nanos and speakers so that people will be able to enjoy relaxing songs,” said Karen.

“It’s really fantastic. Lots of people can feel very anxious when they’re being treated for cancer, so anything that can help them relax is very welcome here.”

The festival, which takes place in Poole Park, features a 10k event, as well as a 5k, a series of shorter races for children, and stalls and activities.

Karen and a team from brachytherapy – a form of radiotherapy – took part in the 10k event.

She said: “It was a really wonderful event, and it’s been very motivating for me.

“I took part in the Great South Run last weekend, and I’ll definitely take part in the Festival of Running again next year.”

To sign up for the event in 2014, visit poolerunners.com