How you make a difference

Thanks to the extraordinary support of our donors the Cancer Fund raised a record-breaking £430,000 - an increase of 107% compared to last year. We are deeply grateful for every donation entrusted to us, and proud to channel that support directly into enhancing cancer services that support patients at UCLH.

This year, we invested more into patient care than ever before. From simple comforts like snacks and creative activities that bring moments of relief during treatment, to significant refurbishments that improve patient spaces, your support helps us to create environments that feel less clinical, and support our staff in providing world-class cancer care.

We also funded treatment enhancing equipment including scalp cooling units to help patients preserve their hair, specialist chemotherapy treatment chairs for teenagers, and sleeper chairs so loved ones can stay close when it matters most. At the same time, we continued to invest in the people who make care possible. By supporting training and development across the cancer division, we are helping staff build their expertise, grow in confidence, and deliver the very best care to every patient who walks through the door.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. At a time when giving is not always easy, your commitment is helping to transform the experience of cancer care - today and for the future.

What have your donations helped us fund?

• Funding for staff dedicated to supporting Teenagers and Young Adults through their treatment – equivalent to 2.5 full time posts
• UCLH Cancer Conference 2026
• Conferences celebrating milestones in the Head and Neck service, and the 10th anniversary of UCH at Westmoreland Street
• Complementary Therapy for Teenagers and Young adults
• Equipment including new chemotherapy treatment chairs, physiotherapy aids for rehabilitation, yoga equipment, a new drug storage fridge, and nebulisers
• Refurbishments including furniture for our new quiet room and hospital gardens, storage, staff lockers
• Staff training and conferences, as well as team building events and study days
• Snack and hydration trolleys for patients across the hospitals, and chewing gum for post-operative patients to aid recovery
• Support group supplies for adults receiving Proton Bean Therapy, and Health and Wellbeing Events
• Walking Football with Arsenal in the Community, for patients being treated for prostate cancer
• Wellbeing activities for patients, and the ‘bell ringing’ celebratory experience for children who hit milestones in their treatment

Hydrating for Health

“Staying well hydrated after major urological surgery is an important part of recovery, particularly for patients who have undergone robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) or cystectomy. Adequate fluid intake helps support kidney function, reduces the risk of urinary complications, and can contribute to overall well-being during the early stages of recovery at home.

However, once patients leave the hospital, maintaining good hydration can sometimes be overlooked as they focus on other aspects of recovery. To support our patients during this transition, we launched a small quality-improvement initiative to encourage regular fluid intake after discharge. With the generous support of the UCLH Cancer Fund, we are providing reusable water bottles to patients undergoing RALP and cystectomy.

The bottles are given to patients before discharge as a simple but practical reminder to stay hydrated and to help them monitor their daily fluid intake while recovering at home. Patients who were contacted said it helps them to monitor their daily intake. We are grateful to the Cancer Fund charity for sponsoring this project and helping us introduce a small intervention that can make a meaningful difference to patients’ recovery experience.”

Pamela Nwangwu, UCLH Lead Surgical Care Practitioner, Uro-Oncology and Robotics