A NEW £7m cancer wing for patients in Dorset has been made possible thanks to a generous legacy left by a Poole businessman.

Robert White was treated for cancer at the Dorset Cancer Centre, part of Poole Hospital. He lost his battle with the disease, aged 62, in November last year.

Before his death, he had resolved to support the hospital and its county-wide cancer services to benefit others, and he decided to fund a new cancer wing. The Robert White Cancer Centre will be built at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, operated by Poole Hospital’s Dorset Cancer Centre team.

The satellite radiotherapy unit, due to welcome its first patients by the end of next year, will significantly reduce the journey time for people in the west of the county travelling to Poole for treatment.

Robert, who founded his Poole-based photography business in 1982 before expanding internationally, was eager to see the commencement of his legacy within his own lifetime.

He decided to sell 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.

Describing his friend, Mr Leno said: “He didn’t feel sorry or ‘woe-is-me’. He realistically faced up to his position and decided he wanted to give something back to the people in Poole Hospital who had helped him with his illness.”

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

He was an avid collector and some of his possessions, including classic cars, automobilia, Leica cameras, and rare watches, will be auctioned at Bonhams London on September 19, with all proceeds going to Poole Hospital.

It is expected to raise more than £2m, making the total value of Robert’s legacy to Poole Hospital in the region of £10m. This will buy a new CT scanner and a permanent PET scanner.

Debbie Fleming, chief executive of Poole Hospital, said: “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.”