Two charities have united to fund a new £25,000 "rehabilitation" project dedicated to improving the quality of life for cancer patients at Epsom Hospital.

The Butterfly Appeal, which was set up in 1991 to support people in Epsom suffering from cancer, has joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to ensure that more than 80 people diagnosed with the blood cancers leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, can access specialist physiotherapy and dietary support at Epsom Hospital.

Dr Lydia Jones, clinical lead for cancer services, said: "The aim of the project is to provide the early intervention needed for patients to regain an active and enjoyable lifestyle and restore their quality of life.

"We hope to demonstrate that early intervention will help patients with blood cancers recover."

David Seychell, Macmillan Services development manager, added: "Cancer rehabilitation, although a relatively new concept, is now recognised as an essential component of the cancer journey while quality of life is a key consideration in treatment planning."