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ACT invests in promising medical professionals early in their careers – bringing potential breakthroughs in patient care and treatments

Posted on by Danni Smith

A leading hospital charity in the East of England has been praised for its early investment in promising medical professionals at the start of their careers – providing them with the support they need to help bring potential breakthroughs in patient care and treatments. 

Speaking at last week’s annual John Addenbrooke Lecture (JAL), organised by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, Roland Sinker, CBE, Chief Executive of the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), which governs Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Maternity, said: “In this ecosystem at the absolute heart are the donors and the major partners and that’s why it is so fantastic to have a partner like Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) who are at the centrepiece of trying to help us move this ecosystem forward, often providing us with the pump priming funding, the impetus, the additional step that we need to take things forward.” 

“If we look at what ACT has delivered for this ecosystem, the range of things is really quite staggering… everything from precision breast cancer, which has turned itself into big national changes to pathways; support in surgical robotics, and at the heart of the patient story, the work around My ICU voice which lets patients – when they are at their most vulnerable – communicate with the team who are looking after them and their family.” 

The lecture, which was held at AstraZeneca’s building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, brings together ACT supporters and donors to highlight the impact of the charity’s work – made possible only through the direct support of donors.  

This year’s speakers were Dr Aditi Vedi, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist and Clinical Trialist and Professor Richard Mair, Assistant Professor of Neurosurgical Oncology at the University of Cambridge and Honorary Consultant Neurosurgeon at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, who during his talk ‘Transforming Survival in Brain Cancer’ thanked ACT for funding a fellowship which gave him the launch pad for his career. 

Dr Vedi also thanked ACT, discussing how supporters of the charity had helped enhance patient access to trials in Cambridge through operational funding and co-funding research alongside commercial and research partners. 

Speaking after the lecture, Paul White, Director of Communications and Impact at ACT, said: “We are incredibly proud of our track record of identifying and backing brilliant medical professionals early in their careers. We are very fortunate that our wonderful supporters provide us with the funds – and trust – to be able to support people like Richard and Aditi because we can see their brilliance and potential. By giving them the launchpad for their career, by providing funding for their fellowship, it means they have the potential to develop their research further which in turn gives them the potential to provide a breakthrough in patient care and treatments further down the line.”   

“What both our speakers at this year’s JAL have talked about – more targeted therapies and precision medicine – is at the forefront of the care that will be provided at the two new hospitals we’re building here in Cambridge; the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and the Cambridge Children’s Hospital. These hospitals will bring amazing clinicians like Richard and Aditi together to progress diagnosis and treatment of illnesses we should be beating faster than we’ve ever been able to before. Every one of the supporters that joined us at this event have been part of the unique ecosystem that is providing hope to children with cancers and patients with brain tumours, and they should feel very proud of that.” 

Professor Mair said the title of his presentation – ‘Transforming Survival in Brain Cancer’, was “probably more of an optimistic title than anything necessarily grounded in fact at the moment. But I do think we’re on the start of a journey that perhaps we could have some impact that would be transformational.” 

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust funded Professor Mair’s Fellowship back in 2013 – with Professor Mair telling the audience, “The only people who gave me a chance were ACT.” 

“I got my first break with ACT to come down to Cambridge to do some research so I am hugely grateful for what ACT was able to do for me and my career, so it’s wonderful to be able to give that back a little bit and talk about what we’ve been doing in brain cancer.” 

Professor Mair spoke about his work on the Minderoo Precision Brain Tumour Programme (MPBTP), a collaboration between the Minderoo Foundation, the University of Cambridge, the NHS and Illumina which aims to give more precise and effective care for brain cancer patients on the NHS, with the potential to revolutionise treatment and improve survival rates.  

Patients with the most aggressive and fatal form of brain tumour, called glioblastoma, are being offered a detailed diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, based on genomic sequencing. 

In her talk, Dr Vedi spoke about the importance of not just looking at targeted treatments but also reducing therapies where possible – telling the audience, “Obviously, targeted therapies are a part of it but I think reducing therapy is going to be the key.” 

Praising both speakers, ACT’s Chief Executive Shelly Thake, pictured below, said: “What I see in Aditi is someone who rings true of every clinician that I meet in the hospital – someone who is dedicated, committed and someone who wants to go one step further every time for their patients.” 

And of Richard, she said: “The future of patients that get brain cancer and brain tumours is very much more hopeful with the work that you’re doing with your colleagues both locally and globally and that is hugely encouraging.” 

ACT’s President Dame Mary Archer, who was at the Lecture, praised ACT’s ability to invest in promising medical professionals early in their careers and said: “I’m very honoured and proud to be the President of ACT at this momentous anniversary time and I think ACT can be congratulated on spotting Richard’s potential so early on.” 

ACT is the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and funds high-tech equipment, specialist staff, extra comforts and vital research above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide. This year the charity celebrates its 30th year – and has revealed that in the first 30 years alone its supporters have donated more than £150 million towards supporting innovation in patient care.  

Click here to donate to ACT to help fund ground-breaking research and cutting-edge equipment within our hospitals.

Click here to find out more about the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and to donate.

The heartbroken parents of a special little boy who ‘touched so many people’s lives’ have pledged to raise over £100,000 in his memory for the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital 

Posted on by Danni Smith

The mum and stepdad of a special little boy who ‘touched so many people’s lives’ have pledged to raise over £100,000 in his memory after he died from a rare incurable disease, aged 11, in September last year. 

Elliott-James Heslop, or Elliott as he was known to family and friends, was diagnosed with a rare, incurable disease called TTC7A deficiency when he was just three months old; a condition that causes diarrhoea, inflammation of the intestines, bowel obstructions, immune dysfunction, and an inability to absorb nutrients.   

He had his first surgery at just a few hours old and underwent multiple surgeries to try and fix strictures in his bowel. Unfortunately, these were unsuccessful, and Elliott had to have an Ileostomy. Unable to absorb nutrients in the usual way, Elliott was TPN-dependent from birth, meaning artificial nutrients were given to him via a central line called a Hickman Line.  

Elliott spent the first eleven months of his life in hospital and at just eight months old underwent a bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital. 

His condition meant that when he was at his worst, he couldn’t walk very far as it affected his bone density and muscle mass. It also prevented him from joining a football team or going on school residentials. It also restricted what Elliott was able to do in a day as he would need to be home at certain times for his TPN treatment, which also meant the family were not able to go abroad. However, mum Kayleigh Eley and husband, Ross, Elliott’s stepdad, from Cambourne in Cambridgeshire, said Elliott loved trips to caravan parks – and said he went swimming for the first time last year after finding out about a special wetsuit he could wear in the water. 

Despite the impact of his condition, Kayleigh and Ross said Elliott never moaned. 

“He would have his moments like with football, where he would say I wish I could play football, but it would only be the odd comment now and then. He never moaned, he just got on with it,” Kayleigh said. 

Although they always knew Elliott’s condition was incurable, Kayleigh said it was still a shock when he died.

“Even though you know it’s not curable you just kind of live every day and go with it. But we didn’t expect him to go downhill as quickly as he did.” 

It was in December 2023, that Elliott caught the flu, which impacted his liver and meant he needed to be assessed for transplant again. Kayleigh and Ross were told Elliott would be listed for a multi-visceral transplant, but ten days later after Elliott’s condition worsened, he was rushed back into hospital with painful pancreatitis and in July last year, the family were given the devastating news that Elliott’s condition could no longer be treated. Sadly, Elliott passed away in September.   

Kayleigh and Ross, who have three-year-old daughter, Maddison, together, and Scarlett, 15, and Florence, 7, both from previous relationships, set about fundraising to create some special memories with Elliott before his death as well as raise money for the Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH), through Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).  

The Cambridge Children’s Hospital is set to be built by 2030 and will be the first specialist children’s hospital for the East of England; the only region in the UK without one. Bringing together clinical excellence from two NHS Trusts with pioneering research from the University of Cambridge, the new five-storey 35,000sqm hospital will be based at the heart of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Europe’s largest biomedical campus.   

After writing to Elliott’s favourite football team, West Ham, every day for three months, Ross finally got lucky and both he, Elliott and Scarlett were invited down to West Ham for a training session with the players, where Elliott got to meet one of his favourites, James Ward-Prowse, and walk onto the field as a team mascot.  

Ross – who came into Elliott’s life at six years old – describes himself as a ‘bonus dad’ rather than stepdad and said: “I feel really privileged to have had Elliott in my life. He’s like the son I never had.” 

Kayleigh describes her son as “cheeky, funny, very caring and very sensitive” adding, “So many people have said to me how he really touched their lives. I know he’s amazing because he’s my child and I know how great he is, but he did, he really touched other people’s lives.” 

As for how they are, Ross says: “I don’t think I have accepted it yet because I don’t want to. The worst thing about it is, is that life just keeps on going on around you. It’s the worst pain ever. I’d rather someone chopped off my legs than this. Elliott was my bonus child and the way I feel is the worst feeling ever.” 

Mum Kayleigh said: “People think you are ok but we have to be because we have our other kids. But I still expect to see him sometimes. Sometimes you look and think he is going to be there.” 

Ross said he came off Facebook for six months after Elliott’s death because he found all the memories too painful and says: “Every day is different. Every hour is different.” 

The couple say they remember Elliott as the cheeky little boy who would play pranks on his family, including the time he hid inside Scarlett’s wardrobe and started playing with the LED lights on her ceiling before jumping out to scare her. 

Kayleigh also speaks movingly about Elliott’s best friend who keeps a picture of Elliott in his bedroom and a candle to remember him by and when he has had a bad day, will still call Elliott’s phone to leave a message.  

Ross and Kayleigh say the number eleven has come up a lot in their lives – both before, and since, Elliott’s death aged eleven. When Ross completed a charity walk from his home in Cambourne to the West Ham grounds they arrived at 11am. West Ham also honoured Elliott’s memory by clapping him during a game at the eleventh minute and after moving house recently, they moved to number eleven, with Ross saying – “Elliott will never leave us. Not in a million years.” 

The couple have pledged to raise ÂŁ100,000 for the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital, through Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) as a way of thanking Addenbrooke’s for the amazing care Elliott received since birth – describing his consultant, Dr Camilla Salvestrini, as “amazing”.  

Although their target is ÂŁ100,000, Kayleigh and Ross are hoping to boost their target to ÂŁ125,000 so that they can fully equip one of the rooms within the Cambridge Children’s Hospital and have it named after Elliott. 

“We’d love to have something named after Elliott in his memory,” said Kayleigh, “and know that we helped fund something that would be for the whole community. It’s raising money for the next generation of children and supporting all the families that will be going there.” 

Fundraising efforts so far have included the walk from their home in Cambourne to the West Ham football grounds; a children’s sponsored swim; a 30th tea party in July to celebrate ACT’s 30th and a 72-hole golf challenge at Cambridge Country Club earlier this month, with a 9-hole lesson donated by PGA Professional Joel Rickard.  

Ross’ next challenge will be this September, when he and his boss will complete the walk along Hadrian’s Wall over three days, setting out on the 11th. 

Click here to donate to Elliott’s page.

Addenbrooke’s surgeons say robots unlikely to ever fully replace them in theatre – but say they could ‘co-pilot’

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

Surgeons from the robotic surgery team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge have said they don’t believe fully autonomous robots will ever replace them – but say they could foresee a future where they work alongside them, as in the aviation industry.

Surgons using the robot equipment during surgery
Surgons using the robot equipment during surgery

Speaking after their guest appearance on yesterday’s (Sunday 27 June) ACT’s Amazing People – a radio collaboration between Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and Cambridge Radio – surgeons Siong-Seng Liau and Michael Powar were asked for their views on the future of robotic surgery, following a recent story to come out of the States, where researchers from Johns Hopkins University reported that a robot had performed realistic surgery on its own with 100% accuracy.

The robot, trained on videos of surgeries, was able to remove a gallbladder from a life-like patient, performing a total of 17 tasks within the surgery, performing with the expertise of a skilled human surgeon, even during unexpected scenarios typical in real-life medical emergencies.

Asked where he could see the future of robotic surgery going, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Michael Powar said he did not think robots would ever work fully autonomously but did say he could foresee a future where robots would work alongside surgeons in theatre, much like co-pilots work alongside pilots in the aviation industry.

Folded up robot equipment

“There may be opportunities for AI and automated systems to co-pilot and support or automate certain parts of the procedure in theatre but again there are other aspects such as the ethics of this and who takes responsibility, so lots of things to consider but it is exciting and interesting and as long as it benefits patients that is the important thing.”

Mr Siong-Seng Liau, a Consultant Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon and Chair of the Robotic Steering Group at Addenbrooke’s, stressed the importance of keeping the ‘human’ element of operations, saying: “One of the things we must emphasise is that surgery is not just technical surgery. It is that relationship with the patient as well – and that can never be replicated from the robot standpoint and that is something you have heard about in the show in the case of my patient, Ms Hemming. It is so critical in ensuring that patients progress smoothly through the operation, especially complex operations like hers.”

Mr Liau and Mr Powar were interviewed on Sunday’s show, alongside Mr Liau’s patient, 76-year-old Ms Stephanie Hemming, from Cambridge, who was operated on using the da Vinci robotic system donated to Addenbrooke’s by ACT supporters.

Consultant Surgeons Mr Michael Powar, Mr Siong-Seng Liau and patient Stephanie Hemming at the Cambridge Radio studio
L-R Consultant Colorectal Surgeon Michael Powar with Consultant Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgeon Siong-Seng Liau and patient Stephanie Hemming 

Discussing her surgery on the show, Ms Hemming, who now has a successful ‘second’ career in art following her retirement, spoke about her operation which involved 70% of her pancreas being removed along with her entire spleen following a shock diagnosis of pancreatic cancer – with the operation described by Mr Liau as “a very major surgery with high complexity given the proximity of the cancer to some very important vessels and structures.”

A £1.5 million public appeal, backed by the Cambridge Independent and supported by a huge swathe of the local community, saw the da Vinci Xi robotic system donated to Addenbrooke’s by ACT supporters in 2023.

ACT is the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and funds high-tech equipment, specialist staff, extra comforts and vital research above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide.

This year, ACT celebrates its 30th year – and has revealed that in the first 30 years alone its supporters have raised more than £150 million towards supporting innovation in patient care.

Talking about the benefits of robot-assisted surgery, both consultants spoke about less invasive surgery, faster recovery times and quicker home times for patients.

The da Vinci Xi robotic system has also allowed some ‘firsts’ to take place at Addenbrooke’s since ACT supporters funded the robot back in 2023 – including what has been named ‘Surgery Super Sunday’ – where a team of highly-skilled robotic surgeons and clinical staff carried out a record number of gallbladder removal operations in a single day using high-tech robots that assist with keyhole surgery.

In addition, the same highly trained team of surgeons and clinical staff have now been able to perform their first ‘double’ robot-assisted surgery, operating on a cancer patient whose bowel cancer had spread to his liver. Following chemotherapy, the patient’s bowel cancer was removed by robot-assisted surgery, at the same time as the tumour in his liver.

“The patient knew everything was taking place at the same time and he didn’t have the anxiety and anguish of two separate procedures, recovering from one and getting well enough to have the second operation because that can take its time as well,” Mr Powar explained.

Patient Stephanie Hemming lying in bed as a patient doing a thumbs up
Stephanie Hemming post-op

Talking about her experience of having cutting-edge, robot-assisted surgery at Addenbrooke’s in January, Mr Liau’s patient, Ms Hemming, said her pancreatic cancer was only discovered by chance.

Having undergone another type of cutting-edge surgery at Royal Papworth six months earlier – a TAVI procedure, which is an alternative to open heart surgery where a new heart valve is inserted using a catheter whilst the patient is under sedation, Ms Hemming went to hospital with a ‘strange feeling’ in her chest – which she said she only reported because of her earlier heart surgery. Further investigations revealed she had Stage One pancreatic cancer, a very aggressive type of cancer that is normally discovered at a much later stage.

Describing herself as ‘lucky’ – not just for her early cancer diagnosis but also for being lucky enough to live in Cambridge and undergo two lots of cutting-edge surgery, including robot-assisted surgery – Ms Hemming also spoke about the importance of the emotional connection between surgeons and their patients, praising Mr Liau for his ability to be both ‘warm and authoritative’, adding: “Who would look forward to their meetings with a surgeon? But I would. He’s just a very nice man.”

Apart from many of the operational questions, Mr Liau and Mr Powar were also asked about the atmosphere in the operating theatre – with Mr Liau comparing the inside of the operating theatre to “a well-orchestrated symphony, where you have multiple members of the team doing their own respective roles and responsibilities to ensure the operation completes safely. Apart from not having music of course.”

Listen to Sunday’s ACT’s Amazing People, on robot-assisted surgery, and click here to read Ms Hemming’s story in full.

ACT’s Amazing People will return for a new series in the Autumn.

Donate to ACT to make a difference to the lives of both patients and staff at Addenbrooke’s.

Cambridge institution leads the launch of 30th birthday celebrations for much-loved hospital charity

Posted on by Danni Smith

A Cambridge Institution has joined forces with a much-loved hospital charity to launch its 30th birthday celebrations. 

This year, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), the official hospital charity for both Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, is celebrating its 30th birthday. 

To mark this special milestone, Fitzbillies in Cambridge hosted the launch of the birthday celebrations at its shop and tea rooms in Trumpington Street on Thursday 15 May – with a special gathering of fundraisers and hospital staff, all of whom have been directly involved with the work of the charity. 

For its 30th year, ACT is asking fundraisers to ‘pour a little kindness’ for the hospitals by hosting a tea party for Addenbrooke’s.  

Keeping with the theme, Fitzbillies, which has been serving Chelsea Buns and hearty breakfasts since 1920, unveiled a special window display which will be there for all its customers to see from now until September. 

As the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, ACT funds equipment and research, as well as improvements to the environment for both staff and patients, above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide – and in the past 30 years alone, has invested more than ÂŁ150 million in the hospitals. 

The charity evokes a fierce sense of loyalty amongst its fundraisers, many of whom start their fundraising journey as a result of care that either they, or close family members or friends have received at the hospitals. As a result, fundraisers for ACT work tirelessly towards hitting their targets – many of them continuing to do so through some quite challenging times in their lives. 

To mark those personal journeys, all of the guests at Thursday’s birthday event had some kind of personal involvement and story to tell. Guests included: 

  • Consultant Colorectal and Robotic Surgeon, Atanu Pal, who ran a 26-mile virtual London Marathon during Covid, spelling the word ROBOT, to help fundraise for ACT’s ÂŁ1.5 million public appeal to buy a da Vinci Xi dual console surgical system for the hospital – which with the hospital’s existing robotic surgical systems has allowed some groundbreaking ‘firsts’ to happen. 
  • Ingela Oberg, Lead Cancer Nurse at CUH, who spoke to guests about all the cancer services ACT had directly funded including an outpatient’s garden and a modern, spacious Haematology Day Unit for patients with blood cancers which has allowed 200 more patients to be seen every month. 
  • Senior midwives Annie West, Tanya Cole and Becky Anderson who were part of a team of midwives who tackled Snowdon and the Yorkshire Three Peaks for ACT – raising over ÂŁ8,000 for the charity. ACT donated ÂŁ7.5 million towards the cost of a new extension to the Rosie maternity hospital, which was opened by the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh in 2013 and included an expanded birth centre and one of the biggest neonatal units in the UK. 
  • Fundraiser Joyce Cripps and her daughter Julie Halls. Joyce has pledged to fundraise for ACT ‘to the end of my days’ after daughter Julie underwent a lifesaving liver transplant at Addenbrooke’s. Joyce and her husband John are now close to raising ÂŁ30,000 for Addenbrooke’s by the end of the year. 

ACT was born out of two existing charities dating back to the 1990s – when a group of fundraisers got together to raise money for the first full body scanner in the City.  

Since then, ACT has donated in excess of ÂŁ150 million to the hospitals and as well as funding research and equipment for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie, it is behind two major public campaigns to see the building of two new groundbreaking hospitals in the City – the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH) and the Cambridge Children’s Hospital. 

Fitzbillies owners Tim Hayward and partner Alison Wright said it had been an easy decision to support ACT after Tim – described by The Irish Times as ‘arguably of the world’s best food writers’ – was admitted to Addenbrooke’s in November 2020 with COVID-19. He required treatment using a ventilator and suffered a pulmonary embolism. He was discharged after a month, having spent 14 days in a coma, and later described himself as “lucky to have lived.” 

Tim gave a very moving speech on the day, bringing a few tears to people’s eyes as he thanked staff for his amazing care. 

“My gratitude to Addenbrooke’s knows no bounds; I wouldn’t be here without the excellent staff and support of the hospital. Thank goodness for world-class care and the fantastic work of ACT. Long may it continue.” 

As part of their support, Fitzbillies has designed a special 30th chocolate cupcake for ACT, and for each one sold during the month of July, the bakery will donate ÂŁ1 to the charity. In addition, Fitzbillies will donate 20% of sales from the Addenbrooke’s collection of tea party items including scones, jam and cream, which can be found on their website. 

Fitzbillies Co-Owner Alison Wright, who won a lifetime achievement award in the Cambridge Independent Business Awards 2024 for rescuing the 104-year-old iconic bakery and cafe, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a wonderful organisation this summer. So many of our customers have a connection to Addenbrooke’s, either as residents of Cambridge or as medical or research staff at the hospital. The work of saving and improving lives is vital, and Fitzbillies is honoured to be able to contribute even in a small way during this milestone year of the charity. We love any excuse for cake, and we hope that our chocolate cupcake will raise plenty for ACT in July.” 

Speaking at the launch of the charity’s 30th birthday celebrations, the charity’s Chief Executive, Shelly Thake, pictured third from left with ACT colleagues, said:

“With Fitzbillies’ kind support it means two much-loved institutions within the City can join forces to raise money for a very special cause. Anyone wanting to host their own tea party for Addenbrooke’s can use Fitzbillies’ own recipes for their popular chocolate cake and scones which are included in a special tea party pack which can be ordered on our website.” 

Consultant Colorectal and Robotic Surgeon, Atanu Pal, who fundraised for the da Vinci robot, said: “Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust has a huge impact in our hospitals, on a daily and ongoing basis, for patients and staff. Walking through the hospital, I see how the kind and generous supporters of the charity make a huge difference. Through the Robot Appeal, this fantastic support got us across the finish line to bring the benefits of robotic surgery to more patients in Cambridge.” 

“I was involved in fundraising for this. When I ran my 26-mile Virtual London Marathon back in 2021, during the pandemic, I really wanted to help raise funds for the new robot because, as surgeon here, I knew the great impact it would have on patient care, as well as in our work as surgical teams. Robot-assisted surgery is less invasive, being done through smaller incisions than open surgery, so promoting a faster recovery, reducing the hospital stay, so that patients can get back to their homes and families sooner.” 

Pictured at the time of his Virtual Marathon, with his route above, Atanu said: “Now when I think back to my run, proudly wearing my ACT running shirt, I remember passing some of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks – the beautiful university buildings, the river, and of course Fitzbillies – my go-to for sweet treats as a medical student! I feel really proud to have been part of the team of supporters who helped ACT hit its ÂŁ1.5 million target to buy the da Vinci robotic system. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference ACT and their supporters make to the lives of those in our two hospitals and I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the 30th birthday of such an important charity.” 

Ingela Oberg, Lead Cancer Nurse at CUH, said: “Every day around 13 people face a new cancer diagnosis at CUH. Over the last few years, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust has transformed cancer services at the hospital by funding projects such as the outpatient’s garden to allow cancer patients a quiet haven away from the hospital; a state-of-the-art surgical robot allowing minimally invasive surgery for prostate patients; a modern, spacious Haematology Day unit for patients with blood cancers allowing 200 more patients to be seen every month; 2 ECP machines to treat the terrible side effects following bone marrow transplantation and a ‘Biopsee’ machine to diagnose and identify prostate cancer.” 

“ACT’s support does not stop there, however, and donations to the charity will go towards the building of the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH), to be built on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus by 2029. As the first specialist cancer hospital for the East of England, it will allow clinicians to detect cancer earlier, treat it more precisely and save more lives.” 

Annie West, a senior midwife at the Rosie, said: “We’ve had ultrasound scanners and cots bought for us by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust so we get to see first-hand what money is being spent on – which is why as a team we decided to take on two challenges to help raise some money ourselves; Mount Snowdon in 2023 followed by the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge a year later. Knowing how important ACT is to the hospital is what kept us going during both our challenges and to know we raised over ÂŁ8,000 for the charity is such a satisfying feeling!” 

  • Afternoon tea party items from the Addenbrooke’s collection can be found on the Fitzbillies website.

     

#TeamAddenbrooke’s London Marathon runners raise more than ÂŁ30,000 for Addenbrooke’s!

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

The 14 runners – each with their own very personal stories and reasons for running – completed Sunday’s Marathon on behalf of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) in what is one of the most celebrated events in the London calendar with over 50,000 runners coming together to raise money for a sea of good causes.

The total raised for ACT so far is just over ÂŁ30,000, with donations still coming in.

The ACT Cheer Squad

Thanking all of the charity’s runners, Bridget Parr, ACT’s Community Fundraising Co-ordinator, said:

“All of them did amazingly. To be able to support them over the last year has been a real honour for me, just to be part of their journey. They are all so inspiring. They all have their own reasons for running – from people whose children have been ill or had life-saving operations, to another running in memory of a friend they lost, to one of our runners, who broke her neck and wasn’t sure she would ever be able to walk again, much less run, so to be there with her family when she passed our cheer point, was very emotional.”

Bridget was part of the ACT ‘cheer squad’ along with the charity’s Head of Community Fundraising, Donna Lee-Willis, positioned to the side of St Paul’s Church in Shadwell – so able to cheer runners at both the 13.5-mile mark and the 22.5-mile mark.

Thanking all of the amazing runners, Donna Lee-Willis, Head of Community Fundraising at ACT, said:

“London Marathon is by far one of my favourite events of the year. Watching thousands of people run, walk, jog the streets of London all for causes close to their hearts is emotional and inspiring. I cannot thank Team Addenbrookes enough – you are all simply incredible and we are all super proud of you. I have been cheering on runners at this event for 22 years and every year it fills me with total admiration. The money you have raised for ACT will enable us to continue making our hospital great. THANK YOU SO MUCH.”

All 14 ACT runners completed Sunday’s marathon, but for one, Sarah Barnard-Mitcham, it proved a real challenge after spraining her ankle on a water bottle at the start. She wasn’t feeling great around the 13-mile mark but walked with her sister – and carried on despite not feeling great, completing the 26.2-mile challenge in just over six hours.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust also got a mention in live coverage of the event when Liza Putwain was interviewed by BBC Sport reporter, Jeanette Kwakye, on the day, interviewing her on her way round the course.

Liza (pictured left) wanted to run for Addenbrooke’s as a way of thanking staff who cared for her after she broke her neck in a freak accident when she was flipped from an inflatable object during an assault course. The mum-of-three had been running the course in memory of her husband Ian, who had died unexpectedly eight months earlier.

Describing how amazing it was to be part of the London Marathon, the film studies teacher from just outside Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk said:

“It sounds corny but when you are running it, it just feels like the whole city just loves each other in a world where there’s so much negativity at the moment. It feels like you are a Premiership footballer because everybody is calling your name and wanting you to win. It’s like they are on your team and cheering you on. I heard ‘Liza come on you can do it’ thousands and thousands of times on Sunday.”

She said the special, emotional moments for her were seeing her three children, Ella, 17, Sophie, 13, and Charlie 11, on the side lines with her sister and niece. Other memorable moments including spotting two signs – Remember Your Why – and one that, she says, is her own mantra – We Can Do Hard Things – which is not surprising when you hear Liza’s own story.

“I say it all the time, to my kids particularly, and they say it back to me when I’m struggling. It’s like we say, we can do hard things. Life is tough but we can get through this, we can do it, so when I saw that sign I was like ‘oh my gosh, that’s my mantra.”

Asked what she is planning next, Liza said she is thinking of applying for a ballot place in the 2026 London Marathon but deferring for a year. She is also planning to run a half marathon with her niece – and do a HYROX event too.

“I was talking to another runner and we were saying it was like childbirth. It’s like, in that moment when you have just run the London Marathon, you’re like, ‘oh my gosh, that was horrific I will never do that again. And then you get the post marathon high and you’re like, ‘this is amazing’ and before you know it you are signing up to do it again.”

Just some of the more personal reasons runners had for taking part include:

  • Will Hemsley, running for ACT to thank staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital who cared for his close friend Josh, who sadly lost his life in 2016, aged just 18.
  • Liza Putwain, with her story above.
  • Alfie Lowe who fundraised for ACT last year after his friend Rhuey was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, raising ÂŁ1,500 for the charity by hiking the Edale skyline. This year, he ran the London Marathon in memory of his friend Alex Paterson, who they lost last year – saying: “Alex was one of the most loyal, caring and genuine people I knew, and he’s left a giant hole in a lot of our hearts.”
  • Chris Loveday whose wife Carly underwent a live kidney transplant at Addenbrooke’s in 2010. Carly fell pregnant in 2011 and was seen at regular intervals by both the transplant team and specialists at the Rosie. Nearly 2 years after her transplant, Carly was admitted to the Rosie with complications and the family were told to expect the worst – and daughter Flo was born by emergency C-section, 7 weeks premature and with life-threatening complications. Flo was cared for initially on NICU for 2 weeks and remained in special care in the Rosie for a further 3 weeks. Thanking Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie for all their care, Chris shared the news that this year, daughter Flo becomes a teenager! 
  • Sarah Barnard-Mitcham (pictured below) who was treated at Addenbrooke’s after being diagnosed with High-Grade DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) following a mammogram. Describing the care she received at Addenbrooke’s, Sarah said: “Throughout this process, the care I’ve received at the Cambridge Breast Unit at Addenbrooke’s has been nothing short of exceptional.” The hospital is also supporting her sister, Stephanie, as she navigates Early Onset Alzheimer’s, having been diagnosed at just 47. Sarah added: “Over the years, Addenbrooke’s has supported not just my family but countless others in our community. That’s why I’ve chosen to fundraise for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust.”

ACT thanked all this year’s “amazing runners” who were: Alex Tarrant, Chris Loveday, Will Hemsley, Richard York-Weaving, Josh Scarlett, Michelle Meads, Liza Putwain, Jack Smith, Ben Smith, Alfie Lowe, Amy De Selincourt, Darren Godfrey, Sarah Barnard-Mitcham, and Tanya Wagstaff.

All of the money raised from Sunday’s marathon will go to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), the official charity for Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie. ACT funds cutting-edge equipment, groundbreaking research, and improvements to the environment for both staff and patients, above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide.  

** If you would like to run for Team Addenbrooke’s in the 2026 London Marathon, sign up now for one of ACT’s charity places.

Applications can be made online at www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/londonmarathon2026

Runners who would like to apply for a place have until Monday 9 June at 9am. Anyone who is shortlisted will then be offered a telephone interview to talk about their fundraising plans and reasons for running – with TEAM ADDENBROOKES announced the week commencing Monday 23 June.

ACT encourages people who have lost loved ones to remember them with a special walking event in May

Posted on by Danni Smith

ACT is encouraging those who have lost loved ones to remember them by taking part in a special fundraising event throughout the month of May. 

Walk to Remember encourages those who have lost someone close to them to walk 30 miles in their memory. 

“It can be anywhere from a walk in one of your favourite places – to somewhere that holds special memories of your loved one,” said Emily Willdigg, Community Relationships Manager at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT). 

Explaining why the event was so special for people, Emily said: “Losing someone you love, whether it’s a husband, wife, child, parent, grandparent or friend, is such a hard thing to go through and often one of the things people find the hardest is being able to talk about their loss afterwards. Even if they have people close to them that they can talk to, there are always going to be those times when the experience of losing someone can feel very sad and isolating.” 

“With Walk to Remember, what we really want to do is to be able to give people that special way to remember the person they have lost and acknowledge the imprint that that person has left on their heart.” 

Funds raised from Walk to Remember will go to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT), the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals that funds cutting-edge equipment, groundbreaking research, and improvements to the environment for both staff and patients, above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide. 

Anyone who takes part in Walk to Remember is being asked to raise a suggested minimum sponsorship of ÂŁ150. In addition to this, walkers can post a special message on a dedication wall on the charity’s website – allowing them to post photos with special messages to their loved ones. 

“The dedication wall is such a lovely way for people to really honour and remember the person they lost and to share those lasting memories of the person they love,” Emily added. 

One of the fundraisers who took part in the event last year, and posted a memory of her husband Jonathan, was Rachael Tuley-Auld, from Cambridge.  

“I decided to take part in last year’s Walk to Remember, to pay tribute to my beloved late husband Jonathan. So many Addenbrooke’s staff, who cared for Jonathan over the 13 months he battled to recover, were truly remarkable. We were married in the Lewin Rehabilitation Unit, shortly before he died, so the hospital will be forever close to my heart.” 

“Walking over a mile each day enabled me to reflect on and honour his memory, whilst raising funds for Addenbrooke’s. Highlights included following the Dinky Door trail around Cambridge, as well as seeking out the giraffe installations dotted around the city.” 

To register for your place in this year’s Walk to Remember now, visit:  www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/events/walk-to-remember 

To view the dedication wall, visit: https://act.dedicationpage.org/walktoremember 

Celebrate 30 Years of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust with the Adventure of a Lifetime! 

Posted on by Danni Smith

In 2025, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) will celebrate three decades of making a difference—and we’re inviting supporters to mark this milestone in an extraordinary way, joining us for the adventure of a lifetime: a trek across the Great Wall of China in May 2026! 

This unforgettable challenge combines breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and the opportunity to support groundbreaking care and research at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

Over five days, participants will explore a remote section of the iconic Great Wall, trekking from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and Simatai. Along the way, they’ll be immersed in the stunning scenery of green hills and mountain peaks while walking in the footsteps of history. 

But the journey doesn’t stop at the wall itself. Trekkers will enjoy authentic Chinese cultural experiences, including stays in traditional guesthouses and delicious local cuisine, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

“We are so excited to expand our portfolio of events and launch this bespoke, international trek to our supporters,” says Bec Beattie, Community Fundraising Manager. “This is an amazing way to experience a bucket list destination all while raising funds for the Addenbrooke’s and Rosie Hospitals. Making a difference to patients’ lives whilst having the experience of a lifetime.” 

This tough but rewarding challenge is perfect for anyone looking to push themselves while making a meaningful difference. With just 30 exclusive places available—one for each year of ACT’s incredible impact—it’s an opportunity to celebrate this milestone in a truly unforgettable way. 

Discover More: 
To learn more about this incredible adventure, join ACT for a discovery evening: 
When: Thursday, 23rd January 2025, 6:00 PM 
Where: The Old Bull Inn, 56 High Street, Royston SG8 9AW 
Register: Email fundraising@act4addenbrookes.org.uk to secure your spot. 

You can also find out more here.

New outdoor facilities for prosthetics and orthotics patients thanks to ACT supporters

Posted on by Danni Smith

The Cambridge Prosthetic and Orthotic Service transferred from clinic nine in Addenbrooke’s  Hospital to its newly-converted base in Great Shelford with new facilities and high-tech equipment ensuring that the time it takes to see a patient, design and fit a new limb or orthotic has been cut dramatically. 

For the first time ever, prosthetics are being made in an on-site workshop, instead of having to be sent away to be manufactured. In addition to this, another first for the centre is a multi-thousand-pound, outdoor terrain area funded by ACT and its supporters. 

The new area, which includes smooth surfaces, slopes, cobbles, grass, stones as well as the knobbly textures found underfoot at pedestrian crossings allows amputees to trial new limbs on more realistic surfaces. 

Previously to this, patients were only able to test out new limbs within hospital corridors or navigate busy, outside areas. Now, however, the new outdoor facility allows prosthetic patients to test drive their new limb and build their confidence in a more realistic setting. 

ACT’s Chief Executive Shelly Thake said: “We would like to thank our supporters who have contributed to these wonderful new facilities in Great Shelford. We were particularly pleased to assist with the all-terrain facility which will be extremely useful in assessing the suitability of the prosthetics made for patients.” 

In addition to the multi-terrain area, ACT supporters also funded the decoration of the children’s area which features fun, animated designs of animals and sea life from around the world – each sporting a prosthetic limb. Images include a crab with scissors as a pincher and a donkey with a fly swat attached to its tail to swat away the flies.  

In addition to the on-site workshop, the extra space at the centre has allowed for a larger movement or ‘gait’ room which uses motion cameras, gait plates and giant TV screens to recreate 3D reconstructions of a patient’s walk – which can then be analysed by a physiotherapist to help work out how a patient is walking and how their prosthetic can be adapted to improve functionality. 

ACT was also instrumental in funding half of the camera system within the gait room which Clinical Scientist Dr Thomas Stone jokingly likened to a Hollywood film studio. 

Praising ACT supporters for their donation to buy the cameras several years ago, Dr Stone said that by having this high-tech camera system, which creates 3D reconstructions, it allows quicker analysis of where improvements need to be made. 

“Our job is to distill a vast amount of information into a clinical report very quickly. A clinician in a clinical setting has 15 minutes to see a patient. Sometimes to try and work out why something isn’t working the way it should be can be very, very hard if you are doing it live. With our cameras, we can take it offline and clinicians can watch a video back and slow it right down to really analyse a patient’s gait. To be able to pick up the 20, 30, or 40 things it could be if something is not working is very hard so we can make it a lot easier for them.” 

In addition to the high-tech equipment in the gait room, physios now use a quicker form of cast called an eCAST which sets within about 20 minutes and doesn’t require setting overnight like the old plaster cast version. New phone technology also allows them to scan patient limbs to quickly build a design for a new orthotic or prosthetic limb.  

Where patients with scoliosis previously had to undergo general anaesthetic in order to be fitted with a cast, the new phone scanner designs the cast in under a minute – greatly reducing costs as well as patient appointment times.   

The centre, opened by mobility specialist Opcare Ltd on behalf of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is run by more than 30 staff including consultants, allied health professionals and clinical scientists. 

They will assist more than 3,300 patients a year of all ages from across the region, including war veterans. 

The official opening of the centre welcomed organizations from across the amputee community, including the Limbless Association, which links amputees with peers. National Outreach Manager, Clifton Henry, said: “This amazing centre shows the work that is happening within the clinical environment but as an amputee the challenge is in the communities and it is the support beyond the clinical setting that is so important. You can’t beat the power of peer support.” 

Kiera trying out the new gravel surface

Also present at the official opening was Steel Bones, an amputee charity for civilians. Mum Rachel attended with her daughter, Kiera, 14, who was born with a childhood condition which led to her foot being amputated as a baby.  

Testing out the slopes and different surfaces for the first time, Keira added: “It’s absolutely great. I remember one time outside Addenbrooke’s I nearly tripped over a brick that was lying on the floor outside but to have this dedicated outdoor space here makes it much nicer.” 

A personal touch within the centre includes some glass mirrors designed with specially adapted images of patients with prosthetics. Cambridge-based company Go Glass, who specialize in glass decoration and architectural glass, donated the mirrors after the experience of Managing Director Tracy Saunders, who lost a leg many years ago. 

Her brother, Design Director Clive Sparkes, said: “When my sister first lost her leg years ago there weren’t any mirrors in the gyms and she just wanted to see her leg, which is why we wanted to donate the mirrors to this amazing new centre.” 

The designs have been adapted for the different areas within the centre. Mirrors in the prosthetic rooms show a person performing a cartwheel and wearing a prosthetic, whilst in the orthotics area, the person performing the cartwheel is seen wearing an orthotic. The design in the paediatric gym, however, is of a superhero wearing a prosthetic leg, with changeable LED lights to help calm young patients in what can be a stressful situation. 

If you would like to donate to ACT to make our hospitals even better, by providing high-tech equipment like that at the new Prosthetic and Orthotics Centre or by funding research above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide, please click here.

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!”

One year on – and over 500 patients have benefitted from YOUR donations to a ÂŁ1.5 million appeal to buy a new surgical robot for Addenbrooke’s

Posted on by Danni Smith

A year after our amazing ACT supporters raised a staggering ÂŁ1.5 million to buy a new surgical robot for Addenbrooke’s we can reveal just how much impact the robot has had across a wide range of specialities. 

Addenbrooke’s three surgical robots have helped specialists carry out nearly 540 lifesaving or life-altering operations in the last 12 months. 

Importantly, the robots enabled patients to recover faster from surgery, and allowed them to go home in hours or days – rather than weeks. 

They have helped with a wide range of conditions, cut waiting lists and fuelled ambitions for a fourth robot, which would make Addenbrooke’s one of the leading surgical centres in the UK. 

The success was outlined today (5 July) – a year to the day after the Trust’s second robot was unveiled following a ÂŁ1.5m fundraising campaign by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).  

ACT CEO, Shelly Thake, said: “It is important that all those who worked so hard to raise so much money are aware of just how impactful the robots have been for patients over the last 12 months. Once again, we want to thank them for their incredible support, this would not have been possible without them.” 

The da Vinci Xi dual console surgical system has revolutionised patient care and surgical training across six specialties – urology, gynae-oncology, gynaecology, colorectal, ENT (ear, nose and throat) and HPB (Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary – diseases of the liver, pancreas and biliary tree). 
 

Chair of CUH Robotic Surgery Steering Group (RUG), Mr Siong-Seng Liau, said: “It has been an incredible 12 months during which we have treated hundreds of patients for a multitude of different conditions using techniques that often allow them to go home more quickly, freeing up beds for other patients who urgently need them. 

“We are looking forward to the future with great confidence and, although it may be some way off, have ambitions to acquire a fourth robot and become the leading robotic surgical centre in the UK.” 

Consultant Colorectal and Robotic Surgeon, Dr Michael Powar, said: “The robotic platform that ACT supporters fundraised for offers enhanced precision, improved visualisation and greater dexterity when we perform surgery. We are seeing this translate to better patient outcomes with more patients having less invasive procedures, reduced pain and quicker recovery after surgery.” 

The unveiling at Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre was memorable as the robot cut its own ribbon in front of guests, coinciding with a host of other celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the NHS. 

In addition to the ÂŁ1.5 million raised by ACT supporters, we were able to use a legacy that had been left to the charity to purchase a dual console for the da Vinci Xi dual surgical system, allowing surgical trainees to gain hands-on experience of robotic-assisted surgery alongside an experienced surgeon. The legacy brought the total raised by ACT supporters overall to ÂŁ2,022,270. We would like to thank those who generously supported the robot appeal over the last two years, in particular the Mark Benevolent Fund and the ALBORADA Trust. 

Our fund-raising campaign was so successful it enabled the hospital to lease a third CMR Surgical Versius robot, allowing surgical teams to add further upper gastrointestinal, benign gynaecological and colorectal specialities to the service. 

The two systems compliment Addenbrooke’s first robot, a Da Vinci Si, which was introduced over a decade ago to treat kidney, bladder, and prostate patients and was later upgraded to a Da Vinci Xi. 

The appeal ran over two years with support from the Cambridge Independent and many groups and individuals, including Addenbrooke’s surgeon, Atanu Pal, who took part in the virtual London Marathon in 2021, running a route that spelled out the word ROBOT. 
 
The Cambridgeshire Vintage Tractor Club also rallied more than 100 tractors to drive through South Cambridgeshire villages, and Frances Dewhurst challenged herself to walk up her stairs ten times a day for 100 days, in memory of her late sisters, Hilary and Charlotte.  

To find out more about fundraising for ACT, click here.