As many local residents are aware, the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal is now in its second year, aiming to revolutionise radiotherapy delivery at Southend Hospital.
The completion of the £600,000 appeal will equip Southend Hospital with four new Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT) devices.
This cutting-edge equipment will enable the Radiotherapy department to offer the latest advancements in cancer treatment.
SGRT provides extensive benefits, including greater accuracy, reduced imaging and waiting times, elimination of tattoo placement markings, and more patient-friendly open masks for head and neck cancer patients, replacing traditional closed-face masks.
Thanks to months of community support, Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation is proud to have been able to make an interim grant of £350,000. With specialist staff training planned, the success of the appeal will soon become a reality for thousands of cancer patients across mid and south Essex.
A Heartfelt Thanks to the Community
The Foundation trustees extend their heartfelt thanks to the people of Southend and beyond. The community has embraced the Spotlight Appeal, with notable fundraising highlights including:
- A £60,000 donation from New Leaf Distribution; a wonderful example of corporate commitment to local NHS hospitals and patients.
- Charity shop contributions from Hadleigh, Westcliff, and Leigh-on-Sea, totaling almost £100,000.
- Generous donations and charity events such as the annual Foulness Island bike ride and Great Pier Walk from Essex district Rotary clubs.
- Ongoing fundraising support from Essex Freemasons community.
- A successful ‘Wear it Blue Day’ at St Thomas More High School, raising £1,185.
- Southend Half Marathon runners Tom Rowe and Eric Watts running for Spotlight.
- A strong corporate partnership with Stockvale Limited, owners of Adventure Island and Sealife Adventure, has seen a number of fundraising events, including football matches, music festivals, and theme park fundraising days, raise over £11,500. These days not only generate donations but also awareness and interest, invaluable elements of this appeal’s aim.
You can get involved …
With such overwhelming community support, the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation welcomes anyone wishing to get involved. Whether spreading the word about the Spotlight Appeal or participating in fundraising, all levels of support are appreciated to ensure the Appeal reaches its all-important target.
For more information about the appeal and upcoming fundraising events, including the Spotlight Ball, Jazz nights, and Walk for Wards, please visit: www.spotlightappeal.org