Sussex cancer charity issues urgent plea for help

A charity which provides equipment and services for people with cancer across Sussex has launched a desperate plea for more support.
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The COVID pandemic has had a devastating effect on the Sussex Cancer Fund.

The fund provides equipment and services, refurbishment and building projects as well as funding for cancer research.

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They also provide day to day extras such as free parking, tea and coffee, magazines and DVDs for patients that help make cancer treatment more bearable.

Josie Lloyd walks for the Sussex Cancer Fund SUS-200807-091050001Josie Lloyd walks for the Sussex Cancer Fund SUS-200807-091050001
Josie Lloyd walks for the Sussex Cancer Fund SUS-200807-091050001

The goals of the fund are to work hand in hand with the NHS to give every cancer patient in Sussex the best available treatment and facilities.

Its recent support for cancer patients included over £1 million worth of refurbishment to patient areas at the Sussex Cancer Centre

Previous patient and Sussex writer Josie Lloyd comments: “I was treated in Sussex and have also been to the Sussex Cancer Centre many times. The support the centre gets from the charity is evident from the moment you walk in. From the comfortable patient areas to the extra services such as acupuncture and massage being available. Without the support of the Sussex Cancer Fund treatment for many would be a completely different experience.

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Now during the pandemic it is time for us to support the Sussex Cancer Fund like they have supported so many over the years.”

Josie has just completed a fundraising walk with friends as part of the Sussex Cancer Fund’s campaign the #SussexSaunter and is now encouraging more people in Sussex to support their local cancer charity.

Fund Chairman Dr David Bloomfield said: “Lockdown has led to a decrease in the number of referral patients from GPs, as restrictions start to lift we are seeing a surge of new patients as well as a backlog of existing patients hoping to continue with their treatment. All this while instances of cancer continue to rise with one in two people in the UK expected to receive treatment for cancer in their lifetime.”

“Due to COVID many patients are isolating and are extremely anxious, the reduction in funds to support these patients could not have come at a worse time.

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“The Sussex Cancer Centre has adopted new procedures to continue to work during the pandemic and ensure the safety of patients, but new ways of working require investment, and resources are limited. They rely on the Sussex Cancer Fund to make up the shortfall, the charity has received requests from staff for the most basic of equipment like thermometers for patients to use at home. The charity is essential to the provision of top cancer care in Sussex”

The charity has launched several ‘no-cost’ initiatives for the public to help support them during these unprecedented times but is urgently appealing for cash donations so they can carry on their work.

Julia Lenton, Fund Manager said: “We are urging all those that can to donate, we have extremely low overheads compared to the big national charities so you know that even a few pennies could help. We are also very transparent and able to show our supporters exactly where and how any money is spent”.

If you can help please contact the charity at www.sussexcancerfund.co.uk or visit their JustGiving page to donate.

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