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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.

10-strong security team from Addenbrooke’s raise nearly ÂŁ6,000 in charity skydive

Posted on by Danni Smith

Martyn Grass, who organised the skydive over Beccles Airfield with his colleague Mark, described the jump as “absolutely amazing,” adding: “It was so fast! We covered a mile and a half in ten seconds! The adrenaline when you land is like nothing you have felt before. We were literally all hugging at the end of it. Only one of the team was a bit off colour when they landed but all the security team were great.”

Martyn and his colleagues, who provide security across the whole of the Addenbrooke’s site, including the Accident and Emergency Department, completed the ACT challenge to raise money for young people suffering with mental health issues.

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the official charity for Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie hospitals, and money raised by our 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.

Explaining why he wanted young people’s mental health to be the focus of their fundraising, Martyn said: “Working at the hospital is quite challenging for all the security officers dealing with paediatric mental health issues. Sometimes we have to deal with people trying to abscond, so it was important for us to try and raise money for young people with mental health issues to show our support.”

“When it comes to mental health, my saying is never look back. Always look forward. In mental health, each individual has a lot of stairs in front of them and it might be 5 to 10, or 10 to a 100, but every step will eventually get them to the top and they’ll be all right.”

Martyn was awarded a You Made a Difference Award by the hospital earlier this year praising him for the passion he puts into his work, saying: “Martyn is passionate about his role and giving the best service to patients, staff and visitors.”

The security officer, from Shepreth, was nominated for the award by a young woman who was admitted to A&E overnight in a distressed state.

“She was with a family member at the time who was very concerned about her. I sat down with her and chatted to her about her mental health and she wrote into the hospital thanking me for taking the time to speak to her. Apparently she is doing really well now.”

Apart from the skydive, Martyn’s JustGiving page – currently standing at ÂŁ5,938 – is still being boosted by donations. He has organised a Prom Night Raffle for Year 11 pupils at a local secondary schools to win a ride to their prom in one of four prestige cars provided by Wallis and Son cars in Barton and A.G Motors in Papworth.

ACT’s Head of Fundraising, Donna Lee-Willis, said: “We are delighted that Martyn and his colleagues have been able to have fun while at the same time raising such an amazing amount of money for ACT that will benefit patients and staff across Addenbrooke’s and the Rosie.”

Our charity has organised an exciting selection of fundraising challenges for anyone who would like to raise funds for the hospital. Find out more here. Alternatively, supporters can organise their own events.

Click here to donate to Martyn’s JustGiving page.