With an overwhelming level of support from local businesses, community groups and supporters the appeal surpassed its target and reached a total of £920,000.
Money raised from the appeal funded Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT); state-of -the-art technology which allows radiotherapy to be delivered with greater precision and speed.
For cancer patients, hospital staff, and our wider community the introduction of SGRT to Southend Hospital’s Radiotherapy department has been transformational. Not only has it created greater comfort and reduced many anxieties linked to radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients, but it’s also seen a rise in staff retention.
Every donation – large or small – helped shine a light on better, faster, and more compassionate cancer care.
What Was Achieved
With your support, we successfully completed a suite of essential upgrades and initiatives, including:
State-of-the-Art Radiotherapy Equipment
Cutting-edge radiotherapy accelerators that deliver more precise, less invasive treatment. These machines have reduced treatment times, improved patient comfort, and increased survival outcomes.
Improved patient outcomes
The use of SGRT means that surrounding, non-cancerous tissue is no longer at risk of damage from radiotherapy treatment. Closed facemasks for those being treated for head and/or neck cancers are now replaced with open-face headwear; this alone will reduce so much of the anxiety felt by patients who previously would have found the experience even more traumatic.
Staff Training & Development
Donations enabled advanced training for radiographers, physicists and oncologists, helping our teams stay at the forefront of cancer treatment innovation.
Faster Access to Treatment
The new equipment and streamlined services have drastically reduced waiting times, ensuring more patients receive the care they need, when they need it.
You Made This Possible
This success story belongs to you – our generous community of donors, fundraisers, volunteers, and corporate partners. Your kindness helped us bring light and hope to patients facing some of their darkest days.
What’s Next?
While the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal has ended, the work continues. We’re now focusing on future projects and mobilisation items to assist with the ongoing use of SGRT.
