Making a difference to cancer patients

All the hard work that goes in to fundraising across HCR has one aim – to make a difference to people’s lives.

One of the largest donations of recent years was of £16,000 to the Focus Support Centre attached to Cheltenham and Gloucester hospitals. Raised in one evening at a 1920s-themed ball, that money has paid for the refurbishment of the Centre for the benefit of more than 4,000 cancer patients a year.

Run by volunteers, the centre offers every new patient support throughout their treatment and beyond. But it needed updating and making into a more welcoming and comfortable space, with private areas so that patients could have confidential conversations or where those with hair loss could try on wigs.

The donation paid for new doors and redecoration to make the limited space warm and welcoming, new furniture so that patients can be comfortable, screens to give privacy and dignity, and more wall space for information and leaflet displays.

Ali Williams, the centre manager, said: “It feels so much better for patients, their families and for us the staff. It’s welcoming, accessible and feels professional, and it’s been hugely appreciated by our patients.”