The start of construction on the new £26m state-of-the-art Christie at Macclesfield cancer centre has been delayed by two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Work was scheduled to commence in May, but is now expected to get underway next month (July).

A spokesman for The Christie told Macclesfield Nub News today (Fri): "The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a slight delay to the construction of The Christie at Macclesfield.

"The delay was due to a shortage of both materials and labour, but we are working hard to mitigate this.

"Demolition and clearance of the site has been ongoing since February.

"We expect construction work of the new building to start next month with a completion date of August 2021."

Many patients from Macclesfield and beyond currently spend hours travelling for treatment at The Christie in Manchester - some receiving radiotherapy may have to make the trip every day for up to six weeks.

The Christie at Macclesfield will transform cancer care in East Cheshire, bringing together essential cancer services into one purpose-built unit providing local specialist access to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, holistic support and information services, outpatient care and palliative care.

More than 4,000 chemotherapy treatments will be delivered a year in addition to a wider range of clinical trials, giving more patients better access to new treatments as they become available.

The Christie charity is aiming to raise £23m towards the £26m cost of the new cancer centre in the grounds of Macclesfield District General Hospital - with the difference coming from the NHS.

But the coronavirus crisis has impacted on fundraising and The Christie is renewing its appeal for Macclesfield residents and those from surrounding communities to support the fundraising.

"As with all charities, we are concerned about the effect that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our fundraising and would urge the public to continue to support and fundraise for us," said The Christie spokesman.

"Now more than ever we need the support and backing to enable us to continue to provide facilities and services that improve the cancer experience for Christie patients.

"This new centre will be vital to Cheshire and will provide Christie cancer care closer to home for more than 1,500 patients a year.

"It will have a huge impact on many patients' lives and treatment experience, but we need the public's support to make it a reality."

More details of how you can support the fundraising appeal are available here.