A shining success: Celebrating the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal
We’re absolutely thrilled to be celebrating the amazing success of the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation’s Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, which has now officially closed after raising a phenomenal £920,000 – far surpassing the original goal of £600,000!
To mark the occasion and to thank everyone who made this possible, we joined supporters, charity staff, trustees, and radiotherapy colleagues at a celebration event hosted at Thorpe Hall Golf Club. It was a fantastic moment to reflect on just how much has been achieved – all thanks to the incredible generosity of our local community.
The Spotlight Appeal launched back in February 2023 with the ambitious aim of funding the latest advancements in radiotherapy at Southend Hospital. Thanks to the support of so many kind individuals, businesses, and organisations, that ambition has now become a reality.
As Emma Wynne-Morgan, Chair of Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation, shared: “The board of trustees and I are incredibly grateful to everyone who got behind the Spotlight Appeal. Their generosity has been truly life-changing—helping us bring Surface Guided Radiotherapy Treatment (SGRT) to Southend Hospital for all radiotherapy patients.”
This state-of-the-art SGRT technology is a game-changer. It allows radiotherapy to be delivered with exceptional precision by tracking the patient’s body in real-time – no need for permanent tattoos, and much more comfort for patients, especially those with head and neck cancers. It means more accurate treatment, fewer side effects, and a better overall experience for our patients.
Matthew Hopkins, Chief Executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, added: “Because of the overwhelming success of the Spotlight Appeal, we’ve been able to transform both the clinical capabilities and patient experience at Southend’s radiotherapy department. We are truly grateful to the Foundation’s trustees and all the supporters who made this possible.”
We’re especially thankful to some of the major contributors who helped push the appeal to new heights – including local Rotary Clubs, the Essex Masons who donated over £100,000, New Leaf with an incredibly generous £60,000, and Stockvale Ltd, whose long-standing support continues to make a huge impact.
As Dr Krishnaswamy Madhavan, Medical Director at Essex Cancer Centre, said: “This technology has transformed how we deliver radiotherapy and brings us closer to becoming a Cancer Centre of Excellence for Essex. On behalf of all our patients—thank you.”
Although the Spotlight Appeal has now officially closed, this isn’t the end of our support. The Foundation has created a dedicated fund so that donations can continue to support the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital in the future.
From all of us at Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity – thank you for helping to shine a light on better cancer care. Your support is helping to transform lives across Essex, every single day.