A dedicated patient at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has raised an incredible total of £25,145 for The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity to support cancer care services at the Williams Day Unit.
Lee Beetles, who is currently undergoing a two-year course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer at the hospital, was inspired to fundraise after learning that the WDU only had one scalp-cooling machine which can serve two patients at a time, despite treating around 70-80 chemotherapy patients daily.
Through his online fundraising page, and a series of community events, including a dinner and dance evening and a charity football match, Lee raised £25,145.
This has funded an additional scalp-cooling machine, which is a clinically proven method to help reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, as well as additional patient-care improvements. These include a flexible-arm vein finder to assist clinicians when cannulating patients whose veins are difficult to access, as well as a TV for one of the treatment areas, offering entertainment and a welcome distraction during chemotherapy sessions.
The donation will also support ongoing wellbeing services delivered by the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity, providing complementary therapy for patients at the WDU, and Cancer Hair Care, which offers on-site advice and support for those experiencing hair loss during treatment.
Lee, who led the fundraising effort, said: “I wanted to give something back to the team who supported me through some of my toughest days. If this equipment and support can make treatment even a little bit easier for someone else, then every step of the fundraising journey was worth it.”
Natalie Tarrant, Head of Charity, added: “We are incredibly grateful for Lee’s generosity, determination and kindness. His fundraising will have a direct and meaningful impact on patients receiving cancer treatment, providing comfort, dignity and vital support at a time when they need it most.”
Louise Edwards, Lead Cancer Nurse at PAHT, said: “Lee’s fundraising will significantly enhance the experience of patients receiving treatment at the Williams Day Unit. The new equipment will allow us to offer more patients access to scalp-cooling therapy and improve the quality of care we provide. We are so grateful for Lee’s remarkable efforts and to everyone who supported his campaign. His contribution will have a lasting and positive impact on cancer services at PAHT.”