AN AUCTION of vintage and rare items is expected to raise more than £2million, with all proceeds going towards Poole Hospital’s cancer care services.

The sale at Bonhams auction house in London on September 19 will feature vintage motorcycles, classic cars, automobilia, Leica cameras, Lalique decorative arts and mascots, and rare watches. They all belonged to the late Robert White, a Poole businessman who left a legacy worth an estimated £10m to the hospital.

It will fund a new £7m satellite radiotherapy unit, operated by Poole Hospital’s Dorset Cancer Centre team.

Named after Robert, the new centre will be based at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester and is due to welcome its first patients by the end of next year.

It will reduce the journey time people in the west of the county currently face in travelling to Poole for cancer treatment.

Robert lost his own battle with the disease at the age of 62, but had received treatment at Poole Hospital. Before his death, he had resolved to support the hospital and its county-wide cancer services to benefit others.

Eager to see the commencement of his legacy within his own lifetime, he sold his prized lifetime collection of Brough Superior vintage motorcycles so he could make a substantial donation to Poole Hospital. He approached one of his close friends, US chat show king and comedian Jay Leno, who agreed to purchase the collection.

Shortly after the sale, Robert made a donation of £3.5 million to Poole Hospital so that work on The Robert White Cancer Centre could begin.

Debbie Fleming, chief executive of Poole Hospital said: “Every donation to the hospital – large or small in time, money, or expertise - is important in helping us to give patients and visitors the best possible experience.

“On this occasion, with such a very significant donation and legacy, Robert White’s immense generosity has enabled us to make a real step change in the development of cancer services in Dorset. We are truly indebted to him.”

Dr Mike Bayne, a consultant oncologist at the hospital, treated Robert until his death.

He said: “The impact that Mr White’s incredible generosity will have on patients facing cancer in Dorset cannot be overstated.

“This lasting legacy will continue to benefit patients and their families for years to come, enabling the people of Dorset to receive the very latest and most effective diagnoses and treatments for a range of cancers, and supporting our skilled clinicians and nursing teams to be among the most advanced in the country.”