Cancer patients and their families have only months to wait for the opening of a new state-of-the-art support centre in of Norwich.

Norfolk and Waveney cancer charity Big C marked the 'breaking of the ground' milestone as it began redeveloping the former Blockbuster shop on Dereham Road.

Norwich Evening News: Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at the Big C, Lord Mayor Kevin Maguire, Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive of the Big C, Caroline Jarrold, Sherriff of Norwich and David Moar, co-founder of the Big C, at the site of the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenDr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at the Big C, Lord Mayor Kevin Maguire, Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive of the Big C, Caroline Jarrold, Sherriff of Norwich and David Moar, co-founder of the Big C, at the site of the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

It is hoped the centre will be built within six months and open at the start of 2022.

David Moar, co-founder of Big C, said he was eternally gratefully for the community's support over the last 42 years including raising the £500,000 towards the development.

Norwich Evening News: David Moar, co-founder of the Bic C, making a speech at the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenDavid Moar, co-founder of the Bic C, making a speech at the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

He said: "It was a cold February afternoon looking out the window at Charing Cross Hospital where we had to come for treatment as it was not in Norfolk. I'm pleased to say it's available now.

"I made a throwaway remark to a fellow patient that 'we ought to do something about this' and it resulted in Big C, 42 years ago. It seems a lifetime.

"This is another milestone in Big C's history today."

Norwich Evening News: The building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenThe building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Norwich Evening News: The building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenThe building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

The centre will run alongside services at its centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, providing welfare and wellbeing offerings including one-to-one counselling, group activities and a sensory garden.

The charity is relaunching its Nearer to Home Appeal to raise a further £250,000 to complete the building and furnish the centre.

Norwich Evening News: The building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenThe building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Norwich Evening News: The building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenThe building, which was formerly Blockbusters, which will house the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Norwich Evening News: A diagram showing how the Blockbusters will be transformed into a centre for cancer patients.A diagram showing how the Blockbusters will be transformed into a centre for cancer patients. (Image: Big C)

It was also announced two new centres will open in the coming weeks in Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn, with plans to establish support in Wells and Thetford.

Dr Chris Bushby, chief executive of Big C, said there was a crucial need to provide the same level of support in the community.

He said: "We wanted to have a centre in the heart of the community.

Norwich Evening News: Dr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive of the Big C, making a speech at the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenDr Chris Bushby, Chief Executive of the Big C, making a speech at the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

"It will be a special place where those with a cancer diagnosis and their families can continue to access support away from a medical environment.”

A ceremony to mark the beginning of the building work on Wednesday attended by the lord mayor of Norwich Kevin Maguire and the sheriff of Norwich Caroline Jarrold.

Norwich Evening News: Lord Mayor Kevin Maguire making a speech at the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle BoodenLord Mayor Kevin Maguire making a speech at the new Big C Centre on Dereham Road in Norwich. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Remembering his late wife Liz Maguire, who was diagnosed with cancer, the lord mayor said if the centre existed then it would have been well used.

He added: "It is so close to the city and Norwich will be grateful."