Jessica Ennis- Hill visits region’s cancer hospital and lends support for future plans

World Champion Heptathlete and Sheffield’s very own, Jessica Ennis-Hill made a visit to the regions dedicated cancer hospital this week in support of the cancer charity of which she is a patron.

Jessica visited Weston Park Hospital on Tuesday afternoon to see how support from the hospital’s dedicated charity has enabled the improvement of vital facilities, to benefit cancer patients across South Yorkshire and beyond.

Jessica was shown around the new Clinical Research Unit and the Day Case Unit at Weston Park Hospital, both of which have been recently refurbished and expanded thanks to funding from Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.

During her visit to the hospital, Jessica chatted to some of the patients receiving treatment and was able to see first-hand the vital need for continued support of the charity with the number of cancer patients requiring the hospital’s specialised services set to increase.

Senior Management figures at Weston Park Hospital plus Charity Director, Samantha Kennedy were delighted to show Jessica around the improved facilities and explain how preparation for the future is key to the hospitals ultimate success.

Weston Park Hospital is respected internationally as a centre of excellence for the treatment of cancer and for conducting pioneering cancer research.

Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer.

Jessica said, “It was an absolute honour to visit Weston Park Hospital this week and opportunity for me to meet some of those who are sadly fighting cancer in our region.”

“I am extremely proud to be a Patron of the cancer charity and offer support for my local cancer hospital. It’s so important that this cause is wholly recognised and I will continue to support the hospital and charity wherever I possibly can.”

In 2014, the cancer charity, together with partners Westfield Health and Yorkshire Cancer Research collectively raised the £1m needed to establish the new clinical research unit at Weston Park Hospital through the Do-Your-Bit campaign. The new unit aims to increase the number of people recruited to clinical trials by 20% in the first two years alone.

In 2000 1 in 25 patients were treated on a clinical trial, but thanks to advances in research, 1 in 5 patients are now treated on a clinical trial.
Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity needs to raise over £1.8 million this year to enable the funding of committed and new projects that will keep patients at the forefront of cancer treatment.

With an ageing population and improved diagnosis, the cancer charity is facing a growing challenge to support the services provided by Weston Park Hospital and ensure that patient comfort and quality of services delivered remain a priority.

Charity Director, Samantha Kennedy said, “We are incredibly grateful to Jessica for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit the hospital and see first-hand how donations made to the cancer charity by our loyal and dedicated supporters are having a direct benefit on cancer patients in the region.”

“Last year, Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity celebrated 20 years of fighting cancer locally and was able to invest approximately £1.5 million into vital projects within Weston Park Hospital.

To find out more about the work of the cancer charity visit the website at: www.wphcc.org.uk

 

 

   

 


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