THE Ilminster branch of a rural insurer recently nominated Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal to receive a donation of more than £6,500 from the business’ national £1.92million ‘Agency Giving Fund’.

NFU Mutual Agents launched this fund, now in its fifth year, to help local frontline charities across the country.

The Agency Giving Fund forms part of NFU Mutual’s £3.25m funding pledge for both local and national charities in 2024, to assist with the ongoing recovery from the pandemic and to help tackle the impact of the rising cost of living.

To ensure these donations reach all corners of the UK and are directed to where they’re needed most, all NFU Mutual Agencies with more than 280 offices nationwide, have been given the opportunity to nominate local charities to receive a share of the fund.

This donation goes towards the Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal to build a dedicated unit next to their Women’s Hospital, which will allow patients to have a biopsy, a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a consultation all in one place.

There will also be space for difficult conversations, a dedicated waiting area away from the rest of the hospital, and a meeting room for support groups and wellbeing activities.

Mary Vincent, operations manager at NFU Mutual Ilminster Agency, said: “We’re extremely proud to have nominated Yeovil Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit Appeal for this donation and are delighted to be able to support the vital contribution they make to our community.

“NFU Mutual’s Agency Giving Fund was first created in 2020 in response to the pandemic, and this ongoing support is helping to change lives, providing both emergency support and building long-term resilience."

James Kirton, charity head, said: “The donation from NFU Mutual will go towards our brand new breast cancer unit.

“The unit, which is planned to open in October, will be designed with privacy and dignity in mind.

“Patients will be able to access all of their appointments and tests in one place, rather than having to move around the hospital getting undressed in different locations, and waiting in shared waiting areas.

“There will be non-clinical space where people can take the time to process their diagnosis and there will be a fitting room so that patients can be fitted with prostheses and specialist underwear after surgery.”

For more information about your local NFU Mutual Ilminster agency, visit www.nfumutual.co.uk/ilminster