In the first of its kind in Orange, cancer patients from out of town will be able to live in the house for several weeks at a time. 

The Booth Crescent house has been bequeathed to the Cancer Council by Joan Smith, who died in 2015.

Her family handed over the keys to the Cancer Council on Tuesday.

Mrs Smith’s husband, Lionel, died of cancer and her daughter Lorraine Miller said she had been a regular donor to the Cancer Council.

“It was her wish and she had got her wish,” she said.

“I feel really proud.”

Ricky Puata, Cancer Council NSW Community Engagement manager for the Western Region, said it was an amazing gesture.

“From our perspective it is an invaluable gift,” he said.

“We can’t thank the Smith family enough.

“This will be almost unique in Orange.”

Mr Puata said there was big demand for accommodation from families living outside Orange who came with the family member needing cancer treatment in town.

“It will take families from as far away as Bourke.

“There will be very little vacancies here.

“This will be constantly used.”

Mr Puata said the length of stay would depend on the time needed for patients to receive treatment.

“It would be from as little as two weeks and as much as six weeks.”

He said people staying at the house would also be able to use the Cancer Council’s Transport for Treatment program, where volunteers drivers were able to transport patients to cancer care services in Orange, saving families the cost of taxi and parking fees. 

“It would be about a $30 fare by taxi to the hospital from here.”

Mr Puata said the backyard that would be a invaluable spot for children to play.

He said they hoped the house could have its first residents before Christmas.

While the house was in good condition the Cancer Council needed to examine it to ensure it met health and safety standards for multiple use.

The families would be charged $56-$72 a night.

Mr Puata said those living at least 100km from the health service could claim it back through a government scheme.