Welcome to the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust media centre. Here you’ll find our latest news and press releases.
For media enquiries, please call 01223 217757 or email communications@act4addenbrookes.org.uk.
News & media centre
Find out all the latest news from the charity and how it supports Addenbrooke's and the Rosie hospitals.
News story
New outdoor facilities for prosthetics and orthotics patients thanks to ACT supporters
30 September 2024
A brand-new centre for prosthetic and orthotic patients that combines high-tech, scientific analysis and brand-new facilities just outside of Cambridge has celebrated its official opening.
News story
John Addenbrooke Lecture inspires and drives meaningful changes in healthcare
25 September 2024
Hearing inspiring clinicians thanking ACT and it's supporters like you has only motivated us to do even more!
News story
Congratulations! Two of our fundraisers nominated for this year’s prestigious Pride of Britain Awards
23 September 2024
We are delighted to be able to share some behind the scenes filming photos of two of our fundraisers nominated for this year's Pride of Britain Awards
News story
This year’s 2024 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival raises a staggering £35k for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital
12 September 2024
This year’s Dragon Boat event blew fundraising expectations out of the water!
Press release
First MRI scanner wrap in UK set to save patients’ lives and thousands of pounds in patient care
30 August 2024
The MRI scanner at Addenbrooke’s has been given a spectacular makeover, encouraging anxious patients to go ahead with their scans
Press release
2024 Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival – ‘the biggest yet!’
22 August 2024
Support our teams at this year's Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival and help boost funds for our £14 million appeal to build a new specialist cancer hospital in Cambridge, a first for the East of England
Press release
ACT calls on runners in 2025 TTP Cambridge Half Marathon to run for new specialist cancer hospital
19 August 2024
Could YOU join #TeamAddenbrooke's for the 2025 TPP Cambridge Half and support the campaign to see a new world-class cancer hospital built in the city by 2029?
Press release
Launch of ‘My Thank You’ campaign gives Addenbrooke’s patients chance to thank NHS staff directly
8 August 2024
Press release
Tattoo artist takes part in Charity Flash Day to raise awareness of testicular cancer
22 July 2024
32-year-old Bobbie, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November last year, underwent surgery at Addenbrooke’s in December
Press release
Fundraising brings company ‘happiness in spades’
3 June 2024
As Volunteers' Week kicks in, we hear from one Cambridgeshire company that says fundraising as a team brings 'happiness in spades'
Press release
10-strong security team from Addenbrooke’s raise nearly £6,000 in charity skydive
15 May 2024
Addenbrooke's Security Officers have completed a daring 13,000 ft tandem skydive to raise funds for the hospital.
Press release
ACT supporters raise over £100,000 for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital in just one weekend!
20 March 2024
Earlier this month, our amazing supporters pulled out all the stops with three magnificent fundraising events raising more than £100,000 for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.
Press release
Loss of 8-year-old Emily drives nature-inspired improvements for patients at Addenbrooke’s
31 January 2024
A family from St Albans have turned the love for their 8-year-old daughter, Emily, who sadly passed away, into a lasting legacy which will benefit other patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
News story
Transplant pioneer, Sir Roy Calne, has sadly died
8 January 2024
Sir Roy saved many lives and touched many families through his innovative transplant work
News story
Fundraising Campaign for Cambridge Children’s Hospital passes halfway mark
21 December 2023
ACT supporters have donated and pledged an astonishing £31.7m of the £56m raised so far - helping to take the campaign well past the halfway point of the £100m target.
News story
ACT fund new app to help patients prepare for surgery
19 December 2023
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are excited to share the funding of a new app designed to assist patients in getting ready for their upcoming surgeries.
News story
Diwali celebrations at Addenbrooke’s
13 November 2023
Thanks to our supporters, we're delighted to have been able to support Addenbrooke's Diwali celebrations, also known as the 'Festival of Light'
Press release
Addenbrooke’s arts team scoop national award for work on cancer care
6 November 2023
CUH Arts, Cambridge University Hospitals’ arts-in-health programme, has claimed a prestigious national healthcare award for its work on exploring the role of arts and culture in cancer care environments.
News story
Addenbrooke’s becomes first NHS hospital to use AI cancer treatment thanks to ACT supporters
2 November 2023
Addenbrooke’s has become the first NHS hospital to use thermal ablation (hot needle treatment) to destroy life-threatening tumours in one go, including hard-to-reach cancers.
News story
ACT supports Black History Month at Addenbrooke’s
26 October 2023
Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT) staff enjoyed engaging with hospital staff, representing over 100 countries, during recent celebrations for Black History Month at Addenbrooke's.
News story
Brightening up our hospitals with your support
12 September 2023
Coming into hospital can be a difficult experience, but thanks to the generosity of our amazing supporters, ACT have taken many small steps to make clinics across Addenbrooke's more appealing and comfortable for patients, with colourful art and soft lighting.
News story
ACT supporters help fund new bed bike to aid recovery
21 August 2023
Generous funding from ACT supporters has allowed the rehab team on ward J2 Addenbrooke's to purchase a bed bike to help patients recover.
News story
**Exciting News** New surgical robot arrives at Addenbrooke’s thanks to ACT supporters
10 August 2023
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the arrival of the new da Vinci surgical robot made possible through the fantastic efforts of our supporters who helped raise the £1.5 million to purchase it.
News story
David raises over £24,000 with help from ex-England Goalkeeper
10 August 2023
David Bateson was diagnosed with melanoma of the scalp in 2019, and since then, the cancer has unfortunately spread to his liver, lungs, and spine. However, he is currently on a course of immunotherapy at Addenbrooke's helping him live as normal a life as possible.
News story
Hospital staff vs the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge
25 July 2023
A group of 8 hospital staff working with children and young people challenged themselves to walk the Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge to raise funds for Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust (ACT).
News story
Supporter donations continue to help fight against COVID-19
20 June 2023
Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust is proud to be supporting an international study, led by Addenbrooke's Hospital with its search to find drugs that protect the most vulnerable patients from Covid.
News story
New artwork brightens up clinic for young patients
7 June 2023
Thanks to our supporters, young patients who attend the Allergy Clinic at Addenbrooke's now have a colourful mural to look at while they wait.
News story
Your support helps patients and families with a cancer diagnosis
7 June 2023
Often it's the little things in life that can make a huge difference and this can also be the case when supporting patients and their families with a cancer diagnosis.
News story
Looking after our VIBees!
30 May 2023
As part of Biodiversity Action Week at Addenbrooke’s, hospital staff and volunteers planted nectar-rich flowers into 10 pre-filled planters, funded by ACT supporters.
News story
ACT supports special awards on International Nurses’ Day 2023
18 May 2023
ACT were proud to support this year's Cambridge University Hospital (CUH) Nursing and Midwifery awards 2023.
News story
“We owe a lot of thanks to the midwives, doctors and neuro team” – Baby Albert’s story
18 May 2023
Kirsty and Martin Jenkins went through a roller coaster ride when their son, Albert, was born six weeks early and breech.
News story
#TeamAddenbrookes runners take on London Marathon 2023
2 May 2023
On Sunday 23 April 2023, 14 amazing runners took part in the iconic TCS London Marathon in support of Addenbrooke's and the Rosie hospitals.
News story
New app helps patients find the way
28 April 2023
A new wayfinding app 'CUH Directions' funded by hospital supporters has been launched.
Press release
Your support funds new wearable tech to ease Parkinson’s Disease
20 April 2023
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Addenbrooke's has become the first hospital in the world to offer a brand new body-worn device to Parkinson's disease inpatients, significantly and quickly improving their movement.
News story
The Rosie take on Snowdon!
11 April 2023
Thirty amazing staff from across the Rosie Hospital have signed up to support Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust by taking on Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales.
News story
Daffodils gifted to Addenbrooke’s staff raise lots of smiles
30 March 2023
5,000 bunches of cheerful daffodils, kindly supported by Scotsdales Nursery & Garden Centre Ltd and ACT, were handed out to Addenbrooke's staff.
News story
#TeamAddenbrookes Cambridge Half Marathon runners raise £18,000 for hospital
15 March 2023
On Sunday 5 March 2023, 27 amazing runners took part in the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon to support Addenbrooke's and the Rosie hospitals. Supporters, patients, friends and family came together to form our group of dedicated #TeamAddenbrookes runners and through their fundraising efforts have so far raised over £18,000!
News story
Hospital charity’s surgical robot appeal reaches £1.5m target
26 October 2022
Thousands more patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital will benefit from the advantages of robotic surgery thanks to the support of local people who’ve helped raised £1.5 million to buy the hospital a new robot.
Press release
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust appoints new Chair of Trustees
25 October 2022
The Board of Trustees at ACT has appointed a new Chair to lead the charity’s governance.
News story
10 ways you can help to Buy Addenbrooke’s a Robot
19 October 2022
We have almost reached our £1.5m target to buy a surgical robot for Addenbrooke's and are calling on our supporters to help us over the finish line. What could YOU do to support your hospital?
News story
Hospital’s green bus service is just the ticket for patients and planet
6 July 2022
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) has launched an environmentally friendly patient courtesy bus service, thanks to a team effort by ACT and a well-known patient governor.
Press release
Robot Appeal to buy Addenbrooke’s a new surgical robot reaches £1.25 million mark
16 March 2022
£1.25 million has been raised and pledged to buy a new surgical robot for Addenbrooke’s
News story
Next generation scanner could greatly improve the life chances of many patients
23 February 2022
An amazing next generation scanner – the 3D ‘Cone Beam’ CT scanner – has now been installed at Addenbrooke’s and seen its first patient.
News story
Did you know you can write or update a simple will for free though ACT’s Free Wills Service?
24 January 2022
News story
ACT gift festive hampers to thank hospital staff
10 December 2021
ACT is providing hundreds of goodie-filled hampers for all Addenbrooke’s staff again this year to thank the teams for their incredible dedication over the past 12 months
Press release
Byard Art host charity raffle in support of ACT’s surgical robot appeal
1 October 2021
Be in with the chance of winning one of Matt Brown's coveted robot creations while helping to buy a surgical robot, ensuring that patients get home faster after surgery.
Press release
Biological ‘fingerprints’ of long COVID in blood could lead to diagnostic test, say Cambridge scientists
19 July 2021
Research into blood testing for long Covid builds on a pilot project supported by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
News story
Addenbrooke’s charity appoints new trustees to support ambitious fundraising plans
15 July 2021
ACT is pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees
Press release
Addenbrooke’s charity begins partnership with Stock Shop at hospital store
25 June 2021
The Stock Shop store, based in the main concourse at Addenbrookes Hospital, has now pledged to fundraise for its local NHS charity, ACT.
Press release
ACT scoops accolades at fundraising awards ceremony
17 June 2021
ACT is delighted to announce that The ALBORADA Trust has won Grant Giver of the Year for its partnership with the charity at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising East Anglia Region Awards.
Press release
Take part in ACT’s ‘1,000 Challenge’ and raise £1,000 to help fund a new surgical robot
3 May 2021
What can you do a thousand times to raise money?
Press release
‘Buy Addenbrooke’s a Robot’ appeal launched by hospital charity to change the lives of thousands of patients
7 April 2021
A £1.5 million appeal to buy a surgical robot for Addenbrooke’s Hospital has been launched by its charity, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). A new surgical robot will mean quicker, less invasive surgery and faster healing and recovery times for patients.
News story
Regional ambulance service for young launched
7 April 2021
A new ambulance service which will travel thousands of miles a year transporting the region’s sickest babies and children from hospital to the nearest specialist intensive care unit has been launched.
Press release
Inspiring artwork celebrating the late Sir Michael Marshall unveiled at Addenbrooke’s
9 March 2021
Artwork featuring the inspiring words of a poem read at the funeral of Sir Michael Marshall has been unveiled in the main ground floor corridor at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Press release
ACT helps fund clinical trial for high risk kidney patients
22 February 2021
ACT helps fund clinical trial to investigate if tapeworm drug can boost protection from Covid-19 for high risk kidney patients
Press release
Companies gift Christmas hampers to Addenbrooke’s staff to say thank you
15 December 2020
Addenbrooke’s staff will receive Christmas hampers packed with goodies this week as a thank you for their hard work and care during the coronavirus pandemic
Press release
Dame Mary Archer appointed as President of Addenbrooke’s charity
8 December 2020
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is pleased to announce that Dame Mary Archer DBE has agreed to take up the role of President of the charity.
News story
New video link at Addenbrooke’s allows parents who are unable to visit, to see and talk to their babies in hospital
17 November 2020
A new video contact system giving parents the ability to have precious virtual contact with their babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was launched earlier than planned due to coronavirus.
Press release
The ALBORADA Trust’s support for ACT surpasses £800,000
12 November 2020
The ALBORADA Trust has awarded over £800,000 to ACT since 2015, and this year has supported Addenbrooke’s staff by paying for new wellbeing rooms, helping to create a hardship fund to ease financial pressures and providing staff vouchers.
Press release
ACT has successfully raised funds for two new Emergency Children’s Ambulances for the East of England
9 November 2020
Generous donations from hospital supporters have helped ACT raise £216,000 for an emergency children’s ambulance service, which will save young lives in the East of England.
Press release
Check out to help out – Addenbrooke’s charity launches online shop
19 October 2020
ACT has launched a new online shop full of ideal presents just in time for Christmas, with all profits making Addenbrooke’s hospital even better for patients.
Press release
ACT campaign encourages people to support their hospital directly
29 September 2020
ACT has launched a new advertising campaign featuring local fundraising heroes, reminding the community that they can directly support Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie by donating or fundraising for the charity.
Press release
Hospital charity funds over £1million into COVID-19 research
23 September 2020
ACT has recently been able to fund £1million of research into treatments and diagnostics for COVID-19 or services impacted by coronavirus, thanks to generous donations from the public.
Press release
Donation funds well-being rooms for Addenbrooke’s staff to relieve stress
21 July 2020
Hospital staff can now relax and recharge in a pleasant environment during shift breaks.
Press release
Addenbrooke’s Emergency Children’s Ambulance appeal needs just £10k to put specialist ambulances on the road and save more critically ill children
7 July 2020
ACT is asking the public to help raise the final £10,000 of its £216,000 appeal for an emergency children’s ambulance service which will save young lives in the East of England.
Press release
ACT launches Team Addenbrooke’s and its Virtual Challenge 2020 to support the hospital
30 June 2020
To mark the 72nd Anniversary of the founding of our NHS on Sunday 5th July, ACT is asking people to help raise money by getting physical and joining Team Addenbrooke’s.
Press release
Jamie Oliver gives ‘big love’ to Addenbrooke’s in heartfelt video message
23 June 2020
Jamie Oliver gives ‘big love’ and appreciation to Addenbrooke’s hospital in heartfelt video message.
News story
Addenbrooke’s NHS Charity encourages further donations and celebrates hospital’s unsung heroes
15 June 2020
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is encouraging people to keep fundraising for Addenbrooke’s hospital, with donations continuing to help the hospital through the crisis and beyond.
News story
Addenbrooke’s lights up in blue to say thank you
14 May 2020
Addenbrooke's lights up in blue to say thank you to all our supporters who’ve helped us raised over £1million to support our fantastic NHS staff
Press release
Cambridge doctor’s ground-breaking app gives ventilated COVID-19 patients a voice
13 May 2020
A ground-breaking new iPad app for ICU patients – trialled at Addenbrookes – is transforming the experiences and wellbeing of critically ill COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
News story
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust highlights the tireless work of nursing staff at Addenbrooke’s hospital on International Nurses Day, 12 May
12 May 2020
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust highlights the tireless work of nursing staff at Addenbrooke’s hospital on International Nurses Day, 12 May.
News story
How your donations are funding vital coronavirus research at Addenbrooke’s
12 May 2020
A study by researchers at Addenbrooke’s and the University of Cambridge published today in the journal eLife, helped by £25,000 in funding from donations to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, has shown that a small proportion of hospital staff can carry COVID-19 without realising they’re infected.
News story
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust raises over £1 million to help our NHS Heroes
8 May 2020
Addenbrooke's charity is encouraging people to come up with their own amazing ideas to raise even more.
Press release
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust asks you to support the International Day of the Midwife 2020
5 May 2020
On Tuesday 5 May, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) would like you to join it in supporting and recognising the midwives that work at the Rosie Hospital as we celebrate the International Day of the Midwife 2020.
Press release
Cheffins raises over £30,000 for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
27 April 2020
**Cheffins press release**
Press release
Cambridge Commodities ‘NHS Heroes’ Easter art competition to boost Addenbrooke’s staff
14 April 2020
Local business, Cambridge Commodities, is launching an art competition over the Easter holidays to raise money to support NHS staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
Press release
Sir Andy Murray supports Addenbrooke’s staff heroes with video message
8 April 2020
Former world No. 1 tennis player, Sir Andy Murray has sent a thank you message to Addenbrooke’s staff as they face the toughest battle of their lives.
Press release
Help support Addenbrooke’s and our NHS heroes by setting up a virtual tea break and donating the cost of your cuppa
24 March 2020
ACT is launching a daily virtual tea and coffee break to help bring people together and raise money for Addenbrooke’s and our brave NHS heroes at the same time.
Press release
ACT launches ‘Help your hospital’ appeal
20 March 2020
Please help raise funds to support Addenbrooke’s hospital and its staff during the coronavirus crisis.
Press release
Announcement regarding COVID-19
17 February 2020
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is continuing to work with the hospital to help protect patients and staff at this time and has implemented temporary measures to help reduce the risk of infection.
Press release
Cambridge woman leaves money for £400,000 ward refurbishment at Addenbrooke’s in her will
16 December 2019
Patients using a renal ward at Addenbrooke’s are to benefit from a more colourful and relaxed approach to hospital life thanks to a legacy from a Cambridge woman.
Press release
Funding news
5 December 2019
Whether you have an innovative idea, thoughts around service improvement, grand designs to improve your ward or clinic environment or are seeking investment for a research project, ACT could help!
Press release
Celebrity Hunted fugitive hides out at Addenbrooke’s
24 October 2019
Celebrity chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, who is currently appearing as a fugitive on the run on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up To Cancer, stopped off at Addenbrooke’s during one of the episodes, shining a light on the hospital where his son was treated for neuroblastoma two years ago.
News story
First of two new emergency children’s ambulance services for the East of England funded thanks to donations
22 October 2019
First of two new emergency children’s ambulance services for the East of England funded thanks to donations.
News story
Chariots of Fire race achieves children’s ambulance halfway funding mark
23 September 2019
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust are over halfway to raising enough to fund an Emergency Children's Ambulance thanks to the recent Chariots of Fire event.
Press release
Addenbrooke’s liver transplant appeal success gives precious hope to many
1 August 2019
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) has reached its £250,000 liver transplant appeal target thanks to the generous support of incredible donors.
Press release
Newborns at Addenbrooke’s receive safer MRI scans thanks to generous donors
24 May 2019
The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust and a generous legacy from Ann Mynott have enabled the hospital to buy a £316,000 special MRI incubator allowing premature babies and babies at high-risk of brain injury to be scanned sooner.
Press release
Addenbrooke’s cancer appeal launches to transform treatment for patients
1 February 2019
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust has launched its new cancer appeal to help provide the best patient experience and care for people with cancer at Addenbrooke’s.
News story
Will YOU remember Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Your will?
12 September 2018
Addenbrooke’s relies on the generosity of members of the public to help provide vital research, innovative equipment and specialist services.