Sheffield’s Jess Ennis-Hill fires starting gun for new charity appeal
|
Olympic icon Jessica Ennis-Hill launches £500K Beyond The Treatment cancer appeal Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is helping Weston Park Cancer Charity kick off a £500,000 fundraising appeal to help improve the experiences of cancer patients in South Yorkshire.
As well as the installation of recliner chairs, WiFi, and circadian lighting to facilitate sleep, the refurbishments will see improved day room facilities for visiting relatives and children. Smart TVs will allow patients without family nearby to communicate with loved ones via video link. An activity hub to allow patients to access iPads, DVD players, books and magazines, and a service to provide headscarves and support for people who have lost their hair as a result of their treatment, will also be paid for through the project. Weston Park Cancer Charity needs to raise £500,000 by the end of September to cover the costs of the refurbishments and is calling on South Yorkshire businesses, community groups and individuals to help. She said: “Weston Park Cancer Charity is very close to my heart and I’m proud to be helping them launch this campaign, which aims to make life that little bit easier for people being treated for cancer. I’m hoping that the people of South Yorkshire join me in helping the Beyond the Treatment appeal hits its target and make a difference.” Samantha Kennedy, Director of Weston Park Cancer Charity, said: “Going through treatment for cancer can be exhausting, painful, and often quite lonely, so we’re determined to help patients and their loved ones feel at home during their time in hospital. “Thanks to the generosity of the people of South Yorkshire we have been able to support the hospital’s work around cancer research, treatment and care for the last 23 years, and we’re really hoping the community can get behind us again for this appeal. It’s an ambitious target, but it will make a huge difference to people going through the most difficult time of their lives.” Weston Park Hospital admits 3,500 people every year, from Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Worksop and Chesterfield. The refurbishments will make sure they are more comfortable whilst they undergo their cancer treatment. Former patient Andy Gardiner is also backing the appeal, in recognition of the care he received at the hospital five years ago. Andy, 66, who lives in Nether Edge with his wife Lynne, was treated for a rare bone cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before major facial reconstruction surgery. He said: “The care I received from the staff was outstanding, but a television, internet connection, a reclining chair - things we take for granted at home - would have helped enormously. Going through treatment for cancer is very difficult, and small things like this can make it that bit easier. I urge everyone to get behind this appeal, to help the hospital like they helped me.” The NHS is covering the cost of extending and refurbishing the wards, which includes adding more single en-suite rooms, upgrading bay rooms and improving bathroom facilities. The money raised by Weston Park Cancer Charity will enhance the new wards beyond the basic standard to improve the experiences of patients and their loved ones. To donate to the Beyond the Treatment appeal, or to find out more, visit www.beyondthetreatment.org.uk ENDS |
Funds from the ‘Beyond the Treatment’ ward refurbishment appeal will see two wards at Sheffield’s Weston Park Hospital transformed with modern lighting, furnishings, technology and entertainment facilities to help patients feel more comfortable and less isolated during their stay.Go back
