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Author: sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

New care packs set to alleviate stress and pressure for families

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Funding for new care packs means families admitted to Addenbrooke’s in an emergency with a poorly child no longer need to worry about packing the essentials. They can now concentrate on being by their child’s side where they’re needed most.

Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals regularly have children admitted and transported from outside the region with their parents. These children are often extremely poorly and admitted in emergency situations, and families often arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs having not had the time to even think about packing bags.

Now, thanks to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and the support of Illumina, families arriving in these situations will receive new emergency care packs filled with essential items such as toiletries, underwear, clothing and sanitary products. These invaluable packs will provide much more than the items inside – they will give families a sense of dignity and support and crucially allow them to do the most important thing at that time – be there at their child’s bedside.

For Stephanie McCrae, Senior Sister in the Children’s Services team at Addenbrooke’s, these packs are essential to the care Addenbrooke’s provides to the whole family in situations like this:

“The emergency care packs will make a significant difference to families who are resident in the hospital with a sick child. Families may have arrived unexpectedly or have an unplanned extended stay with little or no personal belongings. By providing these basic necessities, we can ease some of the immediate stress they face. We are grateful to ACT and our generous corporate sponsors Illumina for funding this project. It’s donations like these that help us offer additional support beyond nursing and medical care.”

Each week it is estimated that at least one family will be admitted to Addenbrooke’s in an emergency with a poorly child needing these essentials because they haven’t been able to prepare or pack in time. That’s more than 360 families every year who are faced with the stress and pressure of this situation. Through Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and Illumina, approximately 550 emergency care packs will be made available which is enough to provide families with essential items for at least the next 18 months.

For Shelly Thake, Chief Executive of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, these packs represent the vital projects that help to make Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie Hospitals even better, and the power of partnerships with supporters like Illumina:

“We are extremely grateful to Illumina for funding the emergency care packs. When children are admitted in emergency situations they are often extremely poorly, and their families or carers simply don’t have time to even think about packing all the essentials before getting to hospital.”

“Sometimes they come straight to hospital and arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs, to then have to think about going out to buy essentials when all they want to do is just be there with their child is just extremely stressful for the family.”

“To now be able to provide enough packs across all the paediatric wards for the next 18 months is amazing. It will ease the pressure and stress the families and carers face and just allow them to do what they want to do – which is be by their child’s side.”

These packs will be available across every children’s ward and emergency department for at least the next 18 months, supporting every family that needs this help.

Clare Kingsley, Senior Director in the Clinical Lab at Illumina Lab Services said:

“Patient experience is important, which is why we align with ACT’s mission. Illumina is proud to support the emergency care packs project. We hope to provide some small comfort with these essential items during what can be a difficult for families and primary carers.”

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust are delighted that staff from Illumina will be downing tools on 21 November to help pack these essential supplies, so that they will be available for families who need them well before Christmas – a time of year when all too many families will see themselves admitted to hospital with a poorly child, and when the time of year only adds to the stress and pressure, making these packs all the more important.

Cambridge Children’s Hospital fundraising team delighted at securing author and ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ contestant Rev. Richard Coles for literary lunch

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk
Photo credit: Natalie Dawkins

BEST-SELLING author and ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ contestant, the Rev. Richard Coles, is guest speaker at a literary luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Peterborough in aid of the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH), the first specialist children’s hospital for the East of England.

Social media and news agencies were recently alight with gossip that he was one of the two celebrities joining the show at a later date. Along with the Communards musician, vicar and author, the other ‘late entry’ celebrity to join the show was Love Island’s Maura Higgins.

The official celebrity line-up for this year’s hotly-anticipated 2024 show has been confirmed as: Tulisa Contostavlos from N-Dubz, Coleen Rooney, Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing and Barry McGuigan, Danny Jones, Melvin O’Doom, Alan Halsall, Jane Moore, GK Barry and Dean McCullough.

While a lot of people will be delighted to see the lovely Rev. Coles appear in this year’s ‘I’m A Celebrity’ someone else who is delighted is the fundraising team at Peterborough City Council, where mayor Cllr Marco Cereste has adopted CCH as one of his three charities for the year.

The Cambridge Children’s Hospital Peterborough Fundraising Group who booked Rev. Coles for his literary luncheon said they asked the well-known media personality to host the lunch as a fundraiser for CCH before the news was announced that he is featuring in this year’s popular ITV show.

Chairman John Holdich said: “Given his busy diary we were thrilled Richard agreed to join us to support the Children’s Hospital appeal. It was doubly exciting to discover he was likely to appear in I’m a Celebrity, and we shall be watching and wishing him well. No doubt he will have even more stories to share when he comes to us.”

Rev Coles will be the special guest at a festive luncheon hosted by Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Marco Cereste on Saturday 14 December 2024 at the Holiday Inn West (11am to 2.30pm) to mark the launch of his latest book ‘Murder Under the Mistletoe’.

The novella (available as hardback RRP ÂŁ12.99) is the latest eagerly awaited instalment of the mysteries of Canon Daniel Clement, the sleuthing cleric created by Richard since giving up his Northamptonshire parish in 2022.

Cllr Cereste said: “We are absolutely delighted Richard has agreed to support us, making time to fit us into his very busy schedule. Waterstones has kindly agreed to supply his new book for our guests to purchase (and be signed) and will make a small donation to the Mayor’s Charities for every copy sold
 an ideal Christmas gift perhaps?”

“It promises to be a thrilling afternoon while supporting these important charities at the same time.”

Three charities will ultimately benefit from this event: Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH) Peterborough Fundraising Group, Salvation Army and Anna’s Hope.

This is the first event of its kind held on behalf of the Mayor of Peterborough’s Charities. Tickets are £40 per person. To find out more and to book your place please email mayor@peterborough.gov.uk

Every patient in Addenbrooke’s over Christmas to receive gift thanks to Cambridgeshire firm’s fundraiser

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Caring staff at a firm in Ely who have been planning their Annual Christmas Ball for a year look set to donate a present for every patient in hospital over the Christmas period at both Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie.

James Stevens and his staff at Cambridge Commodities picked Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) – the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie – as their official charity partner seven years ago. Since then they have been busy fundraising for the two hospitals throughout the year.

The firm’s Annual Christmas Ball focuses on giving back at Christmas – with proceeds from this month’s event raising money to buy a Christmas present for every patient who will be in hospital over the festive season. James and his team are also buying boxes of chocolates for staff to share on the day too.

“One of the most special times in the year is Christmas,” James said. “And every year, at our annual festive ball, we raise money to pay for every patient who wakes up on Christmas Day to receive a gift. These gifts are wrapped by Team Cambridge Commodities and delivered to the hospital. Waking up at Christmas is made special knowing we might have brought a smile to patients’ faces.”

ACT’s Chief Executive, Shelly Thake, said: “Christmas can be a really special time of year for families, friends and loved ones to spend quality time together. But we are very aware that isn’t always the case for a lot of people.”

“For patients who sadly find themselves in hospital over Christmas it can be a very difficult time not just because they are unwell but also because they are away from home and their loved ones. The amazing hospital staff do everything they can to care for them, but most people just want to be at home at Christmas. That is why we are incredibly grateful to Cambridge Commodities and all their staff for their fundraising efforts to bring Christmas to the hospital.”

“Each year they raise enough money to buy and wrap a present for every single patient staying in Addenbrooke’s over Christmas. All their planning, hard work and kindness really does put a smile on the faces of both patients and staff.”

Ben’s Yard, in Ely, also gets involved by donating their marquee and refreshments as a space for Christmas wrapping, providing their own team of staff to help wrap presents too.

James said one of the reasons his staff picked ACT as their charity partner was because of the impact Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie have had on so many of their own lives.

Since they started wrapping and buying presents for the hospitals three years ago, staff have already experienced the direct impact of their kindness, including Emily, whose daughter Ayda was born in the Rosie just after Christmas.

Emily, the firm’s EU Account Manager, had helped wrap Christmas presents to be distributed to patients on Christmas Day and had been booked to have a C-Section on New Years’ Eve. However, she went into labour early and was admitted to the Rosie on Christmas Eve, which meant she was one of the patients to receive one of the presents on Christmas Day.

“I was in hospital on Christmas Day waiting to give birth, so I received one of the presents that I had helped wrap; some hand cream and body lotion, which was a really thoughtful present.”

“Something like that just makes you feel supported and reassured that people are thinking of you and trying to make you feel better about being in hospital over Christmas, when you don’t want to be.”

Play therapist and young patient playing with Lego

Another member of staff to experience the direct impact of their fundraising efforts is Natalie Scott Paul, the firm’s Head of Payroll, who organises the Annual Christmas Ball every year with finance manager Carly Purell.

“One of the things we wanted to do was pay the salary of a play therapist. That year my daughter was admitted to Addenbrooke’s, and the play therapist came to see her while she was waiting to be seen. I texted everyone at work and said, ‘we did that!’”

Natalie and Carly said planning for the event takes place all year round but say the results are worth it.

“Every detail is crafted with care to make sure the night is both impactful and enjoyable – from planning the beautiful dĂ©cor, arranging the entertainment and collaborating with generous sponsors. Knowing that our efforts will contribute to meaningful change and support those in need makes the whole process even more rewarding.”

However, it isn’t just charitable partners who can make a difference at Christmas – members of the public can too.

Anyone wanting to bring a little Christmas cheer to patients and staff throughout the year can log onto ACT’s online shop where they can choose to buy a virtual gift or purchase one of ACT’s specially designed Christmas cards, with all profits going towards making the hospitals even better.

Virtual gifts can buy anything from an hour of therapeutic play or a stocking filler toy for a child in hospital this Christmas, refreshments for hardworking staff or even a set of warm clothes for elderly patients.

Talking about spreading the feel-good factor beyond Christmas, ACT’s Chief Executive added: “Whilst Christmas always acts as a bit of a focus for people, their kind thoughts and donations don’t have to stop at Christmas. As a charity we have fundraising and volunteering opportunities available throughout the year – so choosing to take part is a way of spreading the Christmas cheer throughout the year if you like.”

This is a sentiment backed by James, who listed just some of the ways he and his staff have been able to get involved throughout the year.

“In the seven years we’ve been working with ACT we have been given the opportunity to be part of so many incredible events. We’ve Dragon boated, we’ve handed out daffodils to CUH staff, baked cakes, we’ve half marathoned, human fruit machined, dressed up, quizzed, wrapped Christmas presents, put on some spectacular festive black-tie events, laughed, cried and had the most memorable of times. These events haven’t just raised much needed money for ACT but have brought our team, Team CC, closer together and added purpose.”

Donna Lee-Willis, Head of Community Fundraising at ACT, said volunteering or fundraising for a charity like ACT can bring a lot of happiness to individuals too. “We have so many amazing fundraisers – like 17-year-old Ernie (pictured right), who raised over £3,000 by doing a Skywalk for ACT to give back to staff at Addenbrooke’s, after being treated for Ewings Sarcoma himself.”

Ernie’s mum, Georgina, said Ernie, who is still receiving treatment, wanted to give back to the staff on C9 ward at Addenbrooke’s who care for him when he is hospital. “They really do go above and beyond. They stay later than they need to and help patients more than they need to and have become friends. I think he just wanted to give something back. I am extremely proud of him. He’s a one off!”

Donna added: “We have so many amazing fundraisers who raise money for the hospitals throughout the year, either through their own events or by choosing to take part in one of our specially-designed ones – which for 2025 include a charity skydive, the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon in March, the London Marathon in April and the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival in September.”

“Beyond that though, members of the public can volunteer to help us out at one, or all, of our events throughout the year, acting as an ambassador for what is a really great organisation to be part of.”

“All our volunteers get a lot of pleasure from working with us and for us as an organisation their support is invaluable. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.”

How you can get involved

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, and money raised by supporters help make the hospitals even better by funding cutting-edge research, innovations and high-tech equipment, above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide.

To buy a virtual gift for a patient at the hospital, or a specially designed Christmas card, visit ACT’s online shop.

To find out how to get involved with fundraising visit our website or email the Community Fundraising team at: fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk.  

Click here to find out more about volunteer opportunities at ACT

Corporates who would like to support ACT as Charity of the Year can also get in touch by emailing: corporatepartnerships@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

John Addenbrooke Lecture inspires and drives meaningful changes in healthcare

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

This year’s John Addenbrooke Lecture provided an evening of insightful presentations, stimulating conversations, and the opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

The annual event saw an exceptional line up of speakers all of whom are leaders within their field:

Dr. Ken Poole, an esteemed Academic Consultant in Rheumatology and Metabolic Bone Disease, presented his latest findings that are transforming the approach to bone health and rheumatologic care. Professor Matthias Zilbauer, Clinical Professor of Paediatric Gastroenterology, shared his ground-breaking research and insights into children’s digestive health, and Sue Broster, Director of Innovation, Digital, and Improvement, discussed the innovative strategies and digital advancements driving improvement in healthcare delivery. 

Click below to watch a recording of the 2024 John Addenbrooke Lecture:

The lecture, which was held at Astra Zeneca’s imposing building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, was hailed a huge success by ACT’s Director of Communications and Impact, Paul White:

“We couldn’t have been prouder of ACT and its impact following the John Addenbrooke’s Lecture. For so many of our valued supporters to be there, listening to the extraordinary talks by some of the hospital’s leaders in research and innovation, really showcased what our charity – and our supporters – can, and do, achieve across Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie.”

He continued: “To hear three remarkable individuals, who between them are changing the way we treat life-limiting conditions such as osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, and driving forward innovation that will go on to save and change countless lives, talk of how grateful they are to ACT and its supporters, and how their work has only been possible because of the people in that room, was a moment to really be proud of – and one which will motivate us to do even more going forward.”

If you would like to make a change today, and donate to ACT to help fund ground-breaking research and equipment within our hospitals, please click here. To here more about ACT’s activities sign up at the foot of our homepage.

This year’s 2024 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival raises a staggering £35k for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

This year’s 2024 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival blew fundraising expectations out of the water – with a staggering £35k raised for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH).

A total of 41 teams and over 600 competitors gathered along the riverbank at Fen Ditton for Saturday’s 18th Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival – paddling 30ft Dragon Boats up the river in glorious sunshine.

As well as the races, bankside entertainment brought the crowds in – with lion dances from the Cambridge Chinese Community and family-friendly entertainment provided by sponsors, Illumina (pictured below), with fun activities such as strawberry DNA extraction, dress like a scientist with a walk-through Cambridge DNA history, face painting and flag making.

We were there too – in a tent full of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust staff and volunteers, with donations to our raffle and hook a duck all helping to boost our £14 million public appeal for the new specialist cancer hospital.

Saturday’s electric event raised £35,000 and all funds will be used in support of the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH). The hospital, which will be built on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus by 2029, will bring together clinical and research expertise in a new, world-class hospital, designed in partnership with staff and patients. It will detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely, and save more lives.

A special shout out to all the teams who competed to raise money for the new hospital – and to Cambridge 105 for supporting us on the day with live interviews and the Cambridge Independent who were taking photos on the day.

Teams travelled from outside the county to take part in Saturday’s Festival – with winners of the best dressed competition, Mosses Arc, travelling down from outside Chester to celebrate their friend Paul’s 50th birthday. Following a Noah’s Arc theme their outfits came two by two – with everything from flamingos to leopards, giant furry rats and chickens. We’re not sure how they managed to row in them – but they looked great!

Thank you also to the teams with multiple entries including TWI Ltd; Ring; AstraZeneca; Huawei Technologies; and the Railway Arms.

ACT’s Natasha Robertson, Corporate Partnerships Manager, hailed the festival a huge success and said: “It was such a fantastic day with an amazing atmosphere. It was lovely to meet all the teams and having the CCRH project team competing, as well as on their stand, meant that everyone who came – whether they were competing or coming to join in the fun – could see the direct impact they were having by helping to raise money for the new cancer hospital.

“We are absolutely delighted to have raised £35,000. It’s been our best festival yet!”

The overall winners were the Cosgrove Paddle Shifters

Lucy Morton, Executive Director from organisers NewWave Events, said: “The 2024 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival was a complete success and the whole team at NewWave Events had a fantastic day with all the crews. The fundraising efforts resulted in a record-breaking amount being raised for ACT from this event and we’re eager to build on this further for 2025! Watch this space for more information about next year, with plans already starting we have lots of ideas and hopefully, we will be bringing the dragons back to the River Cam with a sell-out event for the 20th year!’

Mark Robinson, VP and General Manager, UK and Ireland, and Northern Europe, Illumina said: “lllumina had an incredible day as sponsors of the 2024 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival to raise vital funds for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust to build a specialist cancer hospital in Cambridge. Seeing families, friends, and local businesses come together to support their teams provided an amazing atmosphere for the day and made it extra special.”

Elaine Chapman, Lead Advisory Nurse for CCRH, joined the CCRH project team in their boat and said: “We were absolutely delighted to take to the waters to raise money for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. It was my third time in a race crew and probably the best event yet!”

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out to support such an amazing cause which has led to an incredible £35K raised for our future facility, that is bringing world-leading research and clinical excellence together, to change the lives of cancer patients across the UK and beyond.”

“We’re involving patients and staff at every stage of our project, so it was incredibly fun and rewarding to have our patients with us racing on the River Cam for CCRH.”

ACT would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all the teams taking part on the day. We hope to see you return next year for an even bigger, better festival with funds from next year’s festival again going towards our £14 million public appeal to help build the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.

Click here if you would like to donate to Cancer services at Addenbrooke’s and the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.

Email our friendly fundraising team and find out what you can do to support our hospitals.

ACT calls on runners in 2025 TTP Cambridge Half Marathon to run for new specialist cancer hospital

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

A leading hospital charity is calling on runners in the 2025 TTP Cambridge Half Marathon to join forces to boost its multi-million pound campaign to see a new world-class cancer hospital built in the city by 2029.

The Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH) is to be built on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and will be the first specialist cancer hospital for the East of England. It will bring together clinical and research expertise under one roof – allowing clinicians to detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely and save more lives.

As the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) has launched two major capital campaigns to build two ‘firsts’ for the region – the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and the Cambridge Children’s Hospital.

Money raised by ACT supporters in the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon 2025 will help boost the charity’s £14 million public appeal to help build the new specialist cancer hospital, whose pioneering research is expected to have a far-reaching impact not just regionally, but nationally and globally too.

“We would love anyone who secures a ballot place in next year’s TTP Cambridge Half Marathon to choose ACT as their official charity. By doing so they will play a pivotal role in raising funds to help build what will be an amazing, world-leading cancer specialist hospital, the first of its kind in the Eastern region,” said Rebecca Beattie, Community Fundraising Manager at ACT. “So, calling all runners – come and join #TeamAddenbrookes!”

Places for next year’s half marathon on Sunday 9 March go live on the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon website on Friday 23 August, and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

However, if you haven’t secured a TTP Cambridge Half Marathon place, ACT has a number of charity places available for next year’s half marathon, with 2025 seeing the highest number of entries to date, rising from 4 in 2022 to 150 in 2025.
Register for your charity place now.

“It really is an amazing event to be part of and for all our runners to be raising money for the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital really does make the atmosphere on the day very special,” Rebecca said.

Any runners who are lucky enough to secure their own place in the half marathon can join #TeamAddenbrookes by contacting ACT at: fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk. Entrants will receive the same support package as ACT’s own charity runners. 

Ella Hamilton, from TTP Cambridge Half Marathon, said: “We are looking forward to entries becoming available for next year’s event, we predict this to be our fastest sell out yet! We are pleased to be supporting such an amazing array of charities, including Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust which has launched the public appeal for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. The local community is really supportive of the half marathon so there’s always a really great atmosphere on the day – not just for runners but spectators too.’

Ilse Patterson, Lead R&D MR Radiographer at Addenbrooke’s

The TTP Cambridge Half Marathon starts at Jesus Green in the centre of Cambridge. It then takes runners to the outskirts of Cambridge along some of the busiest roads which will be closed on the day of the race. Runners then pass over the river, through Kings College, Queens College and past Corpus Christi College before entering the beautiful village of Grantchester. In the final leg, runners will be taken through the stunning grounds of Jesus College before finishing back at Jesus Green with an electric welcome from spectators at what is always a popular event in the city’s calendar.

Ilse Patterson, Lead R&D MR Radiographer at Addenbrooke’s (pictured right), said she will be entering for the second time next year. “I decided to attempt the Cambridge Half Marathon in 2024 and absolutely loved it first time around so have decided to enter again for 2025 and run to make a difference – so have chosen to run for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. ACT really impacts not just on our patients across Addenbrooke’s, but also staff members too and as an employee of the hospital this makes a huge difference. I am patiently waiting for entries to open so I can apply again for next year!”

Fellowship to be set up in memory of pioneering liver transplant surgeon, Professor Sir Roy Calne

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is delighted to be creating a Fellowship in memory of one of the world’s leading transplant pioneers, Professor Sir Roy Calne.

Sir Roy performed the first successful liver transplant in Europe at Addenbrooke’s on 2 May 1968, and dedicated his life to turning seemingly impossible surgery into regular practice at Addenbrooke’s, where he had previously established the kidney transplant service.

In 2018, Sir Roy helped launch ACT’s £250,000 appeal to fund a state-of-the art ‘liver perfusion’ machine. This machine helps newly donated livers survive for longer and, crucially, enables surgeons to ‘test-drive’ livers on a system mimicking the body, ensuring their functionality before transplant.

ACT CEO, Shelly Thake, said: “The Fellowship means Sir Roy’s work will live on in his name. He was very keen on the evolution of science, research, and medicine and was a great mentor and teacher to many. What a great opportunity to give people to learn more and to advance science like he did.

“Sir Roy was a great supporter of our charity and understood what an advantage that gave to science through research and our support within the hospitals. Being able to support someone in their research journey seems befitting for his memory.”

The idea for a Fellowship in Sir Roy’s name was first mooted by colleague, Professor John Bradley.

Sir Roy and Professor Watson welcoming the new liver perfusion machine at Addenbrooke’s back in 2019.

Retired Professor of Transplantation, Chris Watson, a former colleague of Sir Roy’s, described the plan to create a fellowship in his name as “a great tribute to him.”

“We are not going to move forward without research and that was highlighted during COVID where research found a treatment for the disease and further research found a vaccine, so research is fundamental to moving forward in medicine.”

“The single research post or succession of research posts we hope to fund through the Fellowship, depending on how much funds we will have, are important in a small way in that they make up parts of a bigger jigsaw of moving medical fields forward. It’s the small steps that make big differences.”

Professor Watson, who first met Sir Roy as a medical student when he attended teaching sessions run by him in Cambridge on Saturday mornings, later worked with him during his time as both a Registrar and Senior Registrar, as well as during his three-year-research project looking at tolerance in transplantation using Monoclonal Antibodies.

“He was a very good teacher. He was someone who would challenge you to think and he was quite entertaining and amusing at times. And he came in on a Saturday morning, which says a lot. It’s quite impressive really.”

If you would like to give a gift dedicated to the memory of Sir Roy Calne to set up a new Research Fellowship in his name through ACT, visit https://professorsirroycalne.muchloved.com/

ACT’S 2024 London Marathon runners say ‘Go for it’ in 2025!

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Our inspiring bunch of runners from this year’s 2024 London Marathon are encouraging anyone thinking of running for ACT next year to go for it – describing the experience as ‘second to none’ and ‘a chance to see humans at their best’.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our 13 runners who completed Sunday’s marathon. Collectively they have raised a total of £47,275. However, with donations still flooding in the final figure is expected to be in excess of £50,000.

Lauren taking a selfie at the race

Twenty-four-year-old Lauren Whiting originally signed up to run the marathon after staff at Addenbrooke’s looked after her mum, Sue, following a brain bleed several years ago. She was given a 10% chance of getting her health back to what it was before the aneurysm – and Lauren says her mum is now back doing most of what she loves, thanks to all the amazing care she received from Addenbrooke’s staff.

Since signing up to run the London Marathon, however, Lauren’s dad, Guy, was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was removed during surgery at Addenbrooke’s in December. He has now been diagnosed with aggressive stage 4 brain cancer and continues to be monitored by Addenbrooke’s as he takes on radiotherapy and chemotherapy in Ipswich Hospital.

Having completed Sunday’s Marathon, Lauren says anyone thinking about running it on behalf of ACT next year should definitely go for it.

“The feeling when I finished was second to none. I would recommend anyone thinking about doing it to go for it, but not to underestimate the dedication that goes into it.”

Lauren, who is studying a doctorate to become an Educational and Child Psychologist, said she was running up to five times a week for the last four months leading up to the marathon.

“Training was intense. A lot of people thought I was crazy doing it at the same time as my doctorate and at times it was definitely challenging, especially on days I was travelling for placements where sometimes I have to commute an hour-and-a-half each way. So, it’s not to be taken lightly, but it is one of the best achievements I think I’ll ever do. And from a personal perspective, the training has been one of the best things for me. It has given me headspace.”

Lauren, who completed the marathon in 4 hours 50 minutes, said her dad wasn’t able to travel down to London to watch the marathon as it would have been too much for him but said the family did get together for a celebratory meal in the evening.

“It was very emotional. My dad doesn’t get very emotional so if he does tell me he is proud it means a lot.”

Sean running the marathon

Fellow runner, Sean Papworth, who finished his run in 4 hours 33 minutes, said: “It’s such an iconic event and race and seeing all the different runners and costumes and seeing London at its best is quite emotional. It really is humans at their best.”

For Sean, the event hit several important milestones– marking 15 years since he ran his first London Marathon and 20 years since he finished his treatment for cancer at Addenbrooke’s – all in the same year he will be turning 50.

Runner Alfie Moore was our fastest runner – completing the challenge in 3 hours and 32 minutes.He signed up for the marathon after being treated by staff at Addenbrooke’s following treatment for a traumatic brain injury while studying at university.

Alfie with his mum and dad after the race

 â€œIt was a great day. I loved every second of it – even though the pictures of me at the end might say differently! I got quite emotional when I saw all of the support for the Addenbrooke’s team, thank you so much for cheering me on and keeping me going.”

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, whose supporters raise funds to help make them even better.

ACT’s Head of Community Fundraising, Donna Lee-Willis, said: “We are so proud of all our runners who took part in Sunday’s event – and to find out they are going to raise over £50,000 is just amazing. To hear our fundraisers urging others to take part in next year’s London Marathon on our behalf is really heart-warming.”

“As a team we are introducing as many different fundraising challenges as we can so there is something there for everyone – everything from skydives, ultras and bungee jumps, to marathons and walks.”

You too can make a difference to someone’s life by donating or fundraising for ACT. We fund cutting edge research, highly technical equipment and more, making care at Addenbrooke’s even better. To apply for your place in the 2025 London Marathon click here.

We also support any fundraisers who wish to organise their own events such as charity football matches and auctions. If you would like to get in contact, email us at: fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

ACT welcomes news that plans for pioneering new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital has been given the go ahead

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

A leading clinician behind the East of England’s Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital has welcomed the decision by councillors to give the go ahead to the pioneering new hospital on the City’s Biomedical Campus – saying there was no other place in Europe it could have been built.

Dr Hugo Ford

Dr Hugo Ford, Clinical Lead at CCRH, said: “There are only a very few places in the world that are focussing on early cancer. Cambridge is the only one in Europe, that is why the project has to be here. Every new technology that is introduced as a result of the hospital and the work that goes on in the hospital has the potential to save thousands of lives.”

The new hospital, which will bring together clinical and research expertise under one roof, will detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely, and save more lives.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) – the charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, whose supporters raise funds to help make the hospitals even better – has recently launched a public appeal to contribute ÂŁ12 million towards the building of the new cancer hospital.

ACT’s Chief Executive Shelly Thake said: “We are so excited the new cancer hospital has been given the go ahead by councillors. We can’t emphasise enough how important all the fundraising efforts of our supporters are, as together with Government funds and grants, they will really help drive this project forward.”

Fundraising for the new hospital has already begun in earnest – with our amazing supporters busy organising events. In one weekend alone, our supporters raised more than £100,000 for the new hospital, which experts say will change the story of cancer.

If you would like to support fundraising efforts, please visit our website.

ACT’s community fundraising team has organised lots of exciting challenges for fundraisers to take part in throughout the year, including marathons, ultras, walks, skydives and bungee jumps. Find out more.

We also support any fundraisers who wish to organise their own events such as charity football matches and auctions. If you would like to get in contact, email us at fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk.

Please see below for the official press release from the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital team, welcoming the planning news:

We welcome today’s planning committee decision, with councillors recommending approval to build Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital

Architect image of Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital

Our new specialist cancer research hospital will be the first of its kind for the East of England, and will transform the lives of the millions of people diagnosed with cancer.

Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will bring together NHS staff from Addenbrooke’s Hospital and world-leading scientists from the University of Cambridge and its Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre, under one roof. We are breaking down barriers between the laboratory and the clinic, enabling patients to benefit from the latest innovations in cancer science, to detect the disease at a much earlier stage and develop personalised treatments to patients.

We’re continuing to work closely with our partners and the local planning authority to ensure we balance the needs of a new hospital development, against the wider growth and infrastructure requirements for Cambridge, both of which are important to our staff, patients and the local community.

It will be a low carbon and electric powered hospital, full of light, with access to outdoor spaces and designed to meet the NHS’s new Net-Zero Carbon Building Standard.

We are continuing to make significant progress on our programme. Pre-construction works are set to begin this summer to start preparing the site for full construction works in 2025. www.cambridgecancer.org.uk/our-vision

ACT supporters raise over ÂŁ100,000 for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital in just one weekend!

Posted on by sarah.rastrick@act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Earlier this month, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s (ACT) amazing supporters pulled out all the stops with three magnificent fundraising events raising more than £100,000 for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.

The funds raised will help to change the story of cancer, bringing together clinical and research expertise in a new, world-class hospital, designed in partnership with patients. This new hospital will detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely, and save more lives. The breakthroughs and innovations this hospital will deliver will change the way we detect and treat cancer far beyond Cambridge, bringing hope to millions of people.

Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital

David Bateson, one of the charity’s star fundraisers, has been receiving immunotherapy at Addenbrooke’s for cancer and is thankfully now cancer-free.  On the Friday, he raised £23,000 for the cancer hospital by holding an ambitious silent auction and raffle with prizes including signed Messi and Luton Town shirts and a signed Christiano Ronaldo football boot. This, along with the money raised from a football match he organised in the summer, brings David’s fundraising total to an incredible £50,000 raised.

David Bateson holding auction prize

David said: “What a great night! I want to say a massive thank you to all those who supported it. Receiving my good news makes fundraising for the cancer hospital even more important to me. Without the advances in new drug treatments, I just wouldn’t be here now. Raising the money to build this new hospital is so crucial for all of us now and in the future.”

Also on the Saturday, Vicky Gammon’s family and friends hosted an unforgettable fundraising dinner and raffled some fabulous prizes in memory of Vicky who sadly passed away in 2019. They raised almost £11,000 for the cancer hospital.

Then, on the Sunday to round off a brilliant weekend, the popular TTP Cambridge Half Marathon saw 130 #TeamAddenbrooke’s runners along with 13,000 others pounding the pavements through the colleges of Cambridge, raising over £65,000 for the new cancer hospital.

Donna Lee-Willis, ACT Head of Community Fundraising, said: “What a weekend! We are so grateful to our wonderful fundraisers for all their dedication into making these wonderful events a success. Thanks to their efforts the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is one step closer. People like you are changing the story of cancer.”

To find out more about the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and how you can fundraise to make it a reality please click here.