Cancer appeal celebrates beating its original target by over £300,000
An appeal launched with the goal of improving the lives of cancer patients, by providing the latest in radiotherapy facilities at Southend Hospital, has smashed its original target as it celebrates its official fundraising campaign closure.
Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity proudly recognised the success of Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, which has officially closed after reaching £920,000 and exceeding its original £600,000 target after it launched in February 2023.
Honouring the extraordinary generosity of its supporters, a special event was held at Thorpe Hall Golf Club, bringing together trustees, charity staff, supporters, and radiotherapy department colleagues to recognise the remarkable contribution of the local community.
Key contributors included local Rotary Clubs, the Essex Masons who have contributed over £100,000, and corporate supporters such as New Leaf with a £60,000 donation, and Stockvale Ltd, whose ongoing charity partnership has made a significant impact.
Emma Wynne-Morgan, Chair of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, said: “The board of trustees and I are incredibly grateful to the groups, organisations and individuals that generously got behind the Spotlight Appeal and showed it the support that we hoped for.
“Their support has been truly life-changing—helping us extend our support to ensure Surface Guided Radiotherapy Treatment (SGRT) is now being rolled out to all radiotherapy patients at Southend Hospital.”
SGRT is cutting-edge technology that allows radiotherapy to be delivered with extreme accuracy by tracking the patient’s body surface in real-time. The technology stops the need for permanent tattoo markings, protects surrounding non-cancerous tissue and allows for open face masks to be worn by those with head and neck cancers. Overall, the benefits of SGRT make treatment more precise, more comfortable and less invasive.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “Due to the overwhelming success of the Spotlight Appeal, we’ve been able to transform both the clinical capabilities and patient experience in Southend’s radiotherapy department. We are so grateful to the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s trustees and the incredible supporters whose commitment made this possible.”
Dr Krishnaswamy Madhavan, Medical Director at the Essex Cancer Centre, in Southend Hospital said: “This technology has transformed how we deliver radiotherapy and brings us one step closer to becoming a Cancer Centre of Excellence for the people of Essex. On behalf of all our patients—thank you.”
Although the Spotlight Appeal has now officially closed, the Foundation will continue to support cancer care at Southend Hospital by establishing a dedicated fund for ongoing donations to the radiotherapy department.