27th March 2017: St Anne’s-based Beaverbrooks the Jewellers has struck a major partnership with Rosemere Cancer Foundation that will help revolutionise treatment for cancer patients throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The company, which has 69 stores across the UK, has become an official “Appeal Partner” of the charity’s newly launched 20 Years Anniversary Appeal, which has a £1.5 million target.
It is Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s most ambitious appeal ever in its 20 year history and by partnering together, Beaverbrooks the Jewellers has donated £50,000 to kickstart the drive to bring in the funding.
Every penny donated by Beaverbrooks the Jewellers has already been assigned to fund three projects, which will each have a big impact on cancer patients’ lives.
The costliest of the trio is the purchase of the latest in robotic surgical systems for Rosemere Cancer Centre, which is Lancashire’s and South Cumbria’s specialist cancer treatment centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.
The centre opened 20 years ago this month (March 1997) – hence the name of the appeal – so that local cancer patients could have radiotherapy treatment as well as specialist chemotherapy and surgery much closer to home. Prior to it opening, cancer patients had to travel to Manchester’s The Christie Hospital.
The robotic surgical system, so advanced it is a first of its kind anywhere in the North of England, will be used to treat patients with gastrointestinal, bowel and gynaecological cancers. It will enable surgeons to use keyhole rather than open surgery on hard to reach parts of the body and in complex procedures, so reducing the risk of complications and speeding recovery time. When it arrives in a matter of weeks on a delayed payment scheme, it will make Rosemere Cancer Centre a European training hub for the advancement of robotic surgery.
The appeal is also raising money for a state-of-the-art research facility at the centre to enable more patients to participate in clinical trials. Taking part in a trial could mean a patient has access to the medicines and treatments making newspaper headlines as the drugs and therapy of tomorrow but which, because they are still being researched, are only available in a trials setting.
In addition, the appeal is raising money to redevelop Rosemere Cancer Centre’s in-patient Ribblesdale Ward. It is set to be transformed from a traditional Florence Nightingale style ward into a modern, home from home. It will have designated areas for socialising and making snacks and drinks plus private bays that will provide quiet and restful areas not only for patients but also, for relatives wishing to stay.
Mark Adlestone OBE, Chairman of Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, said: “Through our business, we can make a difference to the world around us. We have supported Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s work for several years and in this special 20th anniversary year, we are pledging to significantly support the charity and ensure that cancer treatment in Lancashire and South Cumbria continues to be the best it can be for the thousands who need it every year.”
Cathy Skidmore, Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s corporate fundraising manager, said: “Our gratitude to Beaverbrooks the Jewellers is immense. The company has joined us at the very start of our appeal. We are hopeful it will set an example to other businesses and they will follow suit.
“We are working with businesses large and small to make these projects a reality. Some are making donations or sponsoring events but we know that not all businesses will be able to support us with a large financial donation. Instead they may be inspired to come together as colleagues and take part in an event such as our annual Walk the Lights through Blackpool Illuminations on 13th October, which is this year raising money for the 20 Years Anniversary Appeal, or by hosting a wear it red for Rosemere Day or even just by bringing in and selling cakes for elevensies!”
For further information on the appeal, how to make a donation, Rosemere Cancer Centre and Rosemere Cancer Foundation, whose work also extends to another eight hospitals in Lancashire and South Cumbria where cancer patients are treated, visit www.rosemere.org.uk or call Cathy Skidmore at Rosemere Cancer Foundation on 01772 528198.
