We are raising funds to purchase scalp cooling machines, which alleviate the distressing effects of chemotherapy induced hair loss.
After initially being approached by a patient, and discussions with the clinical team, we launched this campaign to ensure that as many patients as possible will be able to access scalp cooling, if they would like to.
We've set up our Childhood Cancer Awareness Appeal to support our paediatric cancer department by improving a number of facilities and services for our young patients.
We spent time with one of our paediatric cancer nurses, Ellie. When Ellie was just eight years old in 2008, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer. Little did she know that this challenging journey would lead her back to the same hospital, but this time as a nurse, providing compassionate care to young patients experiencing cancer.
The UCLH radiotherapy department treats around 2000 people of all ages with common cancers each year, as well as providing more highly specialised treatment.
Patients who have radiotherapy spend a considerable amount of time in the department, attending multiple appointments just in preparation for the process. They receive daily radiotherapy for up to six weeks, with regular follow-up visits for several years. The current physical environment of the department is unwelcoming, unfriendly and in drastic need of improvement.