Weston Park cancer charity

Sheffield student JP Preston is supporting Weston Park cancer charity on the 30^th August by taking a sponsored 13000ft plunge at Langar airfield, Nottinghamshire.

He is braving the skydiving challenge and said he looks forward to the event. He will jump from an airplane at 13000ft in tandem with a qualified skydiver from the Red Devils skydiving team and will accelerate from 0 – 120mph in just ten seconds.

He said, ‘I think it is important that people support charities and cancer is something which more and more of us seem to be affected by these days.’ I haven’t had any personal experience with cancer, but know people who have and have seen how it affects people he added.

Weston park cancer Charity in Sheffield is one of only three in the UK. Based at Weston park hospital, the charity aims to raise money to fund the research into, and treatment of cancer. It is a dedicated cancer hospital employing world class researchers to find new methods of treating cancer patients. The money raised is used to fund budgets which are out of government areas.

A runner participating in memory of her
Nannie who lost her battle against cancer

To raise money, Weston Park hosts various fund raising events such as skydiving, and the upcoming run in the park. Run in the park has been held for the past two years and over £20000 has been raised through sponsorships each year. This year, the run will be held on the 10^th of July in Graves Park, Sheffield and will consist of two events. The main event to be held will be a 10km run, which is open to participants of 15 years and older. Also to be held is a 3km run which is open to everyone, including those under 15; and for those who are feeling super fit – it is ok to participate in both. Some of those who participate provide personal reasons for doing so.

Last year, 550 people attended the run, and it is hoped that more people will attend year-on-year. 1980 Olympic sprinter, Joslyn Hoyte Smith (left) has launched the 10km race in the two previous events and it is hoped that she will do the same again this year.

Olympic sprinter Joslyn Hoyte Smith opening last year event

Fundraiser and event organiser, lyndsey Raynor said that the charity is incredibly grateful for all of the support they receive. ‘The money raised by the charity is spent in various ways throughout the hospital in order to provide a quality service and to provide patients with the best possible chance of recovery.’ The Weston park radiotherapy department has just bought a £140000 scanner using some of the money raised, which targets tumours more specifically than standard equipment. It also funds Researchers' work to test new drugs in hope to find new ways to treat cancer.

It isn’t just the research and treatment which is funded though. It has been found that younger cancer patients make a faster recovery when they are separated from elder patients and for this reason, Weston park cancer charity has a dedicated unit for patients aged 15 – 25.

Within this dedicated unit, patients each have their own room, which is rare under the NHS. They are also provided with a lounge area where there is entertainment such as games consoles, PC’s, and TV’s. Each room is en-suite and the idea is to make each patients’ stay as comfortable as possible.

The chemotherapy unit at Weston Park treats 8000 newly diagnosed patients for cancer each year. Senior fundraiser Catherine Rhone said that last year, weston park saw 45 thousand attendances including clinical appointments, check-ups and follow-ups. 'As figures currently stand, one in three of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our lifetime.'

Besides treating cancer patients, Weston Park also provides support and information for those who are indirectly affected by cancer such as relatives and friends to help them deal with the mental and physical strain they might suffer too.

In total, Weston Park spends around £120 million per year in research, equipment, support and maintaining a high standard of care for patients. ‘It is only because of the generosity of all the people who support us that we are able to provide the services we do. We are incredibly grateful for the support and hope it continues.’

By Ryan Williamson