The CTRT Appeal was launched in 2006 by the Cancer Treatment and Research Trust. The aim at that time was to raise £1 million to provide a new chemotherapy treatment and research unit at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.
The 25 cancer consultants at Mount Vernon are all dedicated to finding new life-saving treatments for most types of cancer. The Centre has a national and international reputation for its ground-breaking research work but some of the facilities have not kept pace with the quality of services provided.
Things are now changing fast and there has been considerable investment over the past few years to provide a state-of-the-art radiotherapy building and a new treatment unit for prostate cancer.
But funding for updated chemotherapy treatment and research facilities was not available and the CTRT decided to raise the money needed. A fundraising committee – mostly cancer patients – was set up and the good news is that to date they have raised more than £1.3m. However, the goal posts have moved and an improved design and specification for the new unit means the target is now £1.5m. The battle is on to find the remaining £200,000 over the next few months to enable the new unit to open in mid-2009.
Patients will benefit from a restful environment in which to receive their chemotherapy and there will be first-rate facilities and equipment to enable more people to participate in the trials of new treatments which can offer fresh hope to many cancer patients.
Brian Abbott, who has been co-ordinating the appeal committee, is a great supporter of Mount Vernon. He said: “I had cancer six years ago and was absolutely terrified until I arrived at Mount Vernon where I found a relaxed and reassuring atmosphere. Because the consultants are at the leading edge of research there is a real belief that many patients can be cured – and I was one of them. The two million people living in the catchment area served by Mount Vernon – Hertfordshire, north-west London, and parts of Beds, Bucks and Berks – are fortunate to have one of the UK’s leading cancer centres on their doorstep. It really is a very special place”.
Donations should be sent to Brian Abbott, The Clock Tower, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, HA6 3RN.
For more information – or to volunteer as a fundraiser – email abbott3@ntlworld.com or telephone 07758 739185