Fleet Support Group is backing the national cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow in the launch of its CD, which it hopes will raise thousands of pounds to fund its next mobile chemotherapy unit.

Words to the song have been penned by Geoffrey Bray, founder and cairman of Fleet Support Group who has been a supporter of Hope for Tomorrow since its launch in November 2003.

The CD, called ‘Hope for Tomorrow’, focuses on the inspirational story behind the launch and subsequent success of the charity founded by Christine Mills, following the death of her husband, David, as a result of cancer.

The charity helps cancer sufferers, their families and dependants to cope by taking life-saving chemotherapy treatment closer to their homes.

The charity launched the world’s first mobilechemotherapy Unit, which is operated by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and treats up to 20 chemotherapy patients a day across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Also in the charity’s fleet is a Mobile Chemotherapy Assessment Unit and a Mobile Chemotherapy Support Vehicle. A second Mobile Chemotherapy Unit will shortly go on the road in Somerset.

Christine, of Tetbury, said: “I was moved to tears when I first listened to this beautiful song - at first I was sad but then as I listened to the music and the words that reflect so well what is in my heart, I became uplifted, encouraged and inspired.

“I am sure others who have suffered the loss of someone very close and very dear will gain the same comfort as I did when they hear this wonderful piece of music.”

Charity chairman Lord MacLaurin, who is also a director of FSG, said: “The music is quite wonderful. With the mobile chemotherapy unit concept proving so popular with patients and medical staff, we hope sales of this CD will raise enough to fund our third unit.”

Mr Bray, who was the lead singer and guitarist with 60s band The Gonks, said: “The journey through cancer treatment is harrowing not only for sufferers but also their family and friends.

“But there is hope. Looking at all cancers combined, the five-year relative survival rate has now reached 50%, according to Cancer Research UK. Christine’s story and how she founded the Hope for Tomorrow charity out of tragedy is truly inspiring.

“I hope that the song’s lyrics capture the essence of the spirit behind the charity and that listening to the song gives people hope for tomorrow, particularly following the death of a loved one.”

The words were set to music by professional composer, arranger and keyboards session musician Paul Hale. The song is sung by his wife, Adrienne.

Bray, with friends, has already recorded two compilation CDs to raise money for the charity and will shortly release a third under the title ‘Old Blokes, Friends and a Bird’. The CDs have so far raised more than £1,200 for Hope for Tomorrow. They can be bought for a minimum donation of £6.