Sussex Cancer Fund – Summer 2025 Newsletter Summary

🏥 Improving Cancer Services in Sussex

  • New Oncology Consultation Room: A previously unused corridor at the Sussex Cancer Centre was transformed into a modern consultation room, allowing 2,000 more patient appointments each year.
  • Amberley Suite Upgrade: A new Bluetooth-enabled column scale has been installed at Worthing Hospital to support accurate cancer treatment planning.
  • New Spirometer: Helps speed up lung cancer diagnosis by enabling immediate lung function tests in-clinic.
  • Mammography Textbooks: Nearly £800 of updated resources donated to The Park Centre for Breast Care to support training and improve patient care.

🔬 Pioneering Cancer Research

  • Aggressive Myeloma Study: £50,000 invested in research exploring the gain(1q) mutation linked to fast-progressing myeloma.
  • BRAINCELL Project: £60,000 contributed to a study developing a non-invasive blood test (liquid biopsy) to detect and monitor brain metastases.
  • Cancer-Related Weight Loss (CHANGES2): Co-funded initiative offering online support to people affected by cancer cachexia.

🎗️ Support for Patients & Survivors

  • Life Coaching Expansion: Free coaching for those adjusting to life after active treatment, now extended to East Sussex.
  • Creative Writing Workshops: “Words from the Waiting Room” sessions provided emotional expression through poetry and storytelling, with an anthology planned.

🏊 Extraordinary Fundraising

  • Dr Jo Stokoe’s North Channel Swim: Completed a gruelling 34.5km swim raising £3,247 for SCF (plus £3,247 for RNLI). She became the 165th solo swimmer to complete the crossing.
  • Fundraising Highlights: Includes events such as bake sales, bike rides, golf days, half-marathons, skydives, and a Home Moving event – all raising vital funds for local cancer services.

🙌 Volunteering Appeal

  • SCF is actively seeking volunteers, especially for their café at the Park Centre for Breast Care and for community events across Sussex. Even a few hours can make a big impact.