HELPING OUR HOSPITALS DO MORE
INSIDE: FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH CANCER THIS WINTER (PAGE 14)
CREATIVITY AFTER BRAIN INJURY
Read about how returning to art supported Nicky's recovery.
PAGE 6
FOR THE NATURE LOVERS
New exhibition brings the art of 'tree bathing' to our hospitals. PAGE 8
SIMON'S STORY
Meet the cardiac patient who returned to see the team that saved his life.
PAGE 13
Welcome to Focus,
your
quarterly magazine from Imperial Health Charity.
I’m delighted to be introducing my first issue of Focus Magazine as Chief Executive of Imperial Health Charity, and look forward over the coming months to sharing the incredible and life-changing work made possible thanks to the support of people like you.
In this issue we’re delighted to be featuring the stunning new mural by artist Nina Cosford which we unveiled in September at St Mary’s Hospital (p11).
Funding new and innovative research and care is at the heart of what we do, and in this issue I hope you’ll enjoy reading about two important pieces of work we’ve been proud to fund. The first (p4) is about how a charity grant has introduced new, innovative AI software which is supporting the work of our hospitals’ radiotherapy teams. The second (p5) is new research which has identified a link between blood type and premature birth, which we hope might in time open the door to personalised treatments for pregnant women.
You can also read about the amazing efforts of our fundraisers – like Simon (p13) – who continue to astonish and inspire us with their energy, generosity, and dedication. If you’re feeling inspired to take part in an event yourself, you can find a list of our activities there too.
With the colder months fast approaching, we’re launching our Winter Appeal, which you can read about on the back of this issue. This year we’re raising money to support patients from across north west London being treated for cancer at Charing Cross Hospital. We hope you’ll consider supporting this important appeal, if you can.
Gail Scott-Spicer Chief Executive, Imperial Health Charity
BELOW: OUR Chief Executive, Gail (left) is joined by clinicians from St Mary's Hospital and the Great Western Railway team at our new mural.
InFocus IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Charity-funded AI tool supports our radiotherapy department
An artificial intelligence (AI) tool which maps anatomical regions on CT scans is easing workforce pressures and giving our hospitals' radiotherapy team more time to focus on complex treatments.
Every patient that receives radiotherapy needs to undergo a CT scan to map the location, shape and size of any tumours and the surrounding organs.
Consultant Oncologists and specialised staff (called dosimetrists) then use these scans to complete a process called ‘contouring’, where they draw outlines around the tumour and surrounding organs on the CT scans to allow personalised and precisely targeted treatment. In the past, this process has been incredibly time-consuming, requiring clinicians to draw lines manually in every image from the scan to capture threedimensional shapes.
But now the new AI software automatically generates an outline around every organ,
saving time for NHS staff and reducing the time required to prepare each patient’s treatment plan.
Dr Josh Mason, Principal Radiotherapy Physicist, led the project, implementing the AI tool in the Radiotherapy Department. He said: “Several thousand patients have now received treatment using this tool.
“Doctors’ time is very pressured, and probably one of the biggest sources of delays to patients starting treatment is this contouring step. It’s been very positive for our department.”
The project has since been presented at three conferences, with an abstract also accepted for the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) Congress 2024. The team were also finalists for the Driving Change through AI and Automation Award at the 2025 HSJ Digital Awards.
You can read more about the work we fund on our website.
Celebrating Diwali
Diwali, the Hindu ‘festival of lights’, takes place in October, and celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
To mark the festival, we invited hospital staff to a workshop led by artist Ekta, founder of Story Beyond Lines.
Staff enjoyed the meditative benefits of drawing mandalas, geometric circular designs with repeating patterns.
Surrounded by flowers, lights, and Indian snacks, participants embraced mindfulness and creativity, and were able to leave the workshop with their own framed pieces of art.
It's all in a day's work!
Our Volunteer Employability Programme recently hosted ‘Make Work Work for You’, a workshop run in partnership with MFS Investment Management to support people trying to get back into paid work. Volunteers from MFS shared practical tips on building confidence, communicating effectively and developing personal branding. It was a great opportunity for participants to gain insights and feel more prepared to re-enter,and thrive in the workplace.
Blood group could help predict risk of premature birth, new research finds
New research led by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has found a possible link between a pregnant woman’s blood group and her risk of giving birth prematurely.
It’s hoped that the findings of the study – made possible thanks to funding from Imperial Health Charity’s partnership with The Parasol Foundation – could pave the way for more personalised approaches to preventing early labour in future.
The research, led by Dr Lynne Sykes, analysed more than 74,000 maternity records from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, alongside data from women with high-risk pregnancies. They discovered that women with blood groups B and O were more likely to experience spontaneous preterm birth, while those with blood group A were at lower risk.
Further tests on a smaller group of women found that those with blood group A were more
likely to carry higher levels of Lactobacillus crispatus – a “good” bacterium linked to healthy pregnancies – while women with blood groups B and O had a more diverse bacterial mix and more inflammation.
"The prospect of moving towards personalised care in this area is hugely exciting."
Dr Lynne Sykes, lead researcher and Clinical Associate Professor at Imperial College London, said: “Although we did not establish causation, we have identified a genetic link that can influence the risk of spontaneous premature birth in women. This could potentially impact women in the future by identifying risk earlier in pregnancy and by offering more tailored interventions. While we need further research, the prospect of moving towards personalised
care in this area is hugely exciting.”
Because blood group is routinely tested early in pregnancy, the researchers believe it could one day be used to help identify women most at risk of early labour.
Ms Ruth Monicka Parasol, Principal Benefactress of The Parasol Foundation, said:
“Investing in women’s health research is vital — not only to close long-standing gaps in scientific understanding, but to improve care and outcomes for women and babies around the world.
“We are incredibly proud to support this important work and to be part of advancing knowledge that could transform the way we manage pregnancy risks for generations to come.”
A new trial beginning this autumn will aim to build on these findings by testing whether a probiotic treatment could reduce the risk of premature birth in high-risk women.
ABOVE: Lead Researcher, Dr Lynne Sykes
Nicky’s story: creativity and recovery after brain injury
Our Art and Wellbeing group has been running for over a decade, providing a space for outpatients living in the community to explore their creativity and connect with others in a supportive environment.
One participant, Nicky, began attending the group after receiving treatment for a subarachnoid haemorrhage at Charing Cross Hospital in 2015. Originally a professional artist, Nicky has spent the last ten years rebuilding her creativity and sense of self.
Describing the effect of her brain injury, Nicky said: “I wasn’t there anymore. I couldn’t recognise or identify who I’d become, and I’m still trying to get used to the changes the brain injury has left me with.
“I look like me, I sound like me, and people who knew me before think I'm still that person, but I’m not. I don't function that same way, and the brain injury has made it very difficult to reconnect with who I was.”
Creative projects have played a vital role in Nicky’s rehabilitation, and attending our Art and Wellbeing workshops has helped
her find a place to be creative alongside others who are recovering or living with health conditions.
“I look forward to going into a space dedicated to creative thinking,” she said.
“It’s not like being in an artist’s studio from my past, where there might have been an element of drive. It’s just a collectiveness, and being part of a group where it’s okay to be myself with a brain injury on a good day or a bad day… You can come as you are.”
Through the group, Nicky created two artworks, pictured above, which were featured in an exhibition displayed across our hospitals.
“It was a big challenge… because in the past, I could do a whole exhibition, and I’d just do it!
Whereas now I’m aware I’m doing something I find incredibly difficult. But I did the exhibition, and it was a huge achievement.”
Following this, Nicky has gone from strength to strength, creating brighter and more spontaneous works using different processes and materials, ‘Squeegee 2’ (pictured above).
Marenka Gabeler, the artist who facilitates the group, witnesses
the positive impact of creativity first-hand: “People might go into a session preoccupied by the stresses and strains of their life, but the creativity and social aspect bring them to a lighter place.
“The group can be a great place to explore your identity and experiment with risk-taking, which can be hard in other parts of your life. It provides a safe space outside of the real world where you can build up confidence. Seeing this development is the biggest reward.”
For Nicky, the impact of the arts on her wellbeing has been transformative: “Life can be tough, and things like the Art and Wellbeing group and the Gallery Club are like these oases of joy.”
“The art group is for anybody, whether you were or weren't an artist before, just go and try, and you might actually have a lot of fun as well, and meet some nice people.”
You can find out more about our Arts programme, and see pieces from our museumaccredited collection on our website.
LEFT AND ABOVE: Two of the beautiful artworks Nicky created through her participation in our Art and Wellbeing group.
Our volunteers outside the hospital walls...
How we’re supporting the NeuroRehabilitation Unit café mornings at Charing Cross Hospital
The Charing Cross NeuroRehabilitation Unit (CNRU) has been enhancing the hospital and care experience for many of its patients through their café morning programme, which our Responder volunteers have been helping to support.
This programme was first set up in 2017 by staff in the CNRU; the idea came from discussions between therapists, consultants, and psychologists on how to better support patients in the unit during their rehabilitation following a stroke or similar neurological condition. They’d found that patients felt anxious about returning home and reintegrating back into their old routines. From these discussions, idea of the café morning programme was born!
Our volunteers have been supporting the unit since 2017, and when we introduced the Responder volunteer role in 2022 we were delighted to be able to help even more with the cafe programme.
Responder volunteers help out across Charing Cross Hospital, supporting our staff and patients
by responding to a variety of requests.
Every Thursday, a team of nurses and physiotherapists escort patients on the unit to Riverside Café, (about a 10-minute walk from the hospital) to enjoy a hot drink and a chat. This gives patients the opportunity to take a break from the hospital setting and start to regain confidence in doing everyday tasks. Many of the patients will take a short walk around the café, with the support and supervision of the staff, or take the drinks order for the table to support regaining the ability to write things down, and to practice their handwriting.
During these café trips, the group play a range of board games and other activities that they bring along, for example playing the word game Articulate, or Jenga to help improve their hand movements and dexterity.
Ankita Shah, Clinical Lead Therapist for the unit, said: “It’s an excellent way for patients to work towards multidisciplinary goals in a real world context. It gives them an opportunity to practice
Blood Fund reaches £1m
We recently reached an incredible £1 million in donations to our Blood Fund! The Blood Fund is our fundraising campaign in support of the haematology department team at Hammersmith Hospital, which cares for patients with a variety of blood disorders, including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, sickle cell disease and haemophilia. With your support, we've been able to fund 36 lifechanging research projects looking into new treatments for blood disorders and diseases, making a real difference to the outcomes of patients being treated at Hammersmith Hospital. We want to say an enormous thank you to the donors and fundraisers whose incredible generosity has made this possible.
Visit our website to find out more about the Blood Fund and to make a donation.
meaningful activities in an enjoyable, supportive way outside of the hospital environment. It has shown benefits in supporting patient wellbeing and helps their transition from hospital back into the community."
We are happy to support the café mornings with the help of our amazing volunteers, as well as through our fantastic grants team by providing funding for the drinks and snacks that are purchased each week.
ABOVE: Charing cross neuro-rehabilitation clinician (L) and one of our volunteers enjoying their trip to the cafe
New exhibition creates windows into woodland scenes
Our new Art in Focus exhibition showcases photography of forest scenes and blossoming trees, bringing the art of ‘shinrin-yoku’, the popular Japanese wellbeing practice of tree bathing, inside the hospital. Research shows that actively engaging with nature and relaxing under a canopy of trees can offer physical and mental health benefits, including stress relief, lowered blood pressure, improved mood and pain threshold, and improved memory and concentration.
The new exhibition, recently installed in St Mary’s Hospital’s
Cambridge Wing, aims to bring these natural spaces inside the hospital walls, creating windows into soothing woodland landscapes for staff, patients, and visitors.
We spoke to one of the artists, Joanna Vestey, about the inspiration behind her photographs.
She told us: “I’d been reading Guy Shrubsole, who wrote a book about ancient rainforest in the UK, and I didn’t know we had them, so I was really intrigued.
“They’re all along the West coast, Cornwall, Devon, and Wales, and to make it a rainforest, it has to
have over 1,400mm of rain a year, and it has to have bryophytes, certain plants which grow on other plants, so lichens and ferns, and you only get those within that environment.”
Joanna Vestey, Pontneddfechan, Powys, Wales 18:01 - 20:01, 2023. Photographic print. Courtesy of the artist.
Gareth McConnell, London III, 2004. From the series Night Flowers (2003-2010). Photographic print. Courtesy of the artist.
The photographs show tangled branches, ferns and moss in blue and green hues, evoking the feeling of being entirely enveloped by the forest scenes.
She said: “It’s a different realm. There are centuries and centuries of matter that have just moulded and taken on a slightly different shape, and you can really sense that. So photographically, I wanted to come at it from a different way, not just going out with my camera and taking a picture, but doing these really long exposures that might try and capture arboreal time, or tree time.”
“You forget when you’re in a city that all of that is on our doorstep."
Vestey's work is also inspired by her interest in the positive effects of nature on health outcomes. She hopes her works bring the feeling of being under a canopy of trees to the clinical space.
“I’m interested in the crossover of forest bathing and spending time in the forest, and increasing research about what it does to us on a cellular level," she adds.
“You forget when you’re in a city that all of that is on our doorstep, and being able to bring some of those experiences in to share with people in quite challenging urban environments is a really privileged thing to be able to do.”
Vestey is just one of the artists featured in the exhibition. Also on display are several photographs from Gareth McConnell’s Night Flowers series, small moments of natural beauty captured after dark in the urban landscapes of London and New York.
Other featured artists include Ellie Davies, whose
work combines landscape photography with temporary sculptural installations to reimagine the British woodland as a place of myth and magic, and Simon Baxter.
Following a back injury in 2012, Baxter began photographing trees as a form of therapy, immersing himself in local outdoor spaces alongside his dog Meg. His large-scale photography captures the profound and restorative power of solitary time
spent in nature.
You can view the exhibition at St Mary’s Hospital until May 2026, at which point the exhibition will move to Hammersmith Hospital. It will then travel to Charing Cross Hospital later in the year.
Thank you to all the artists and lenders whose collaboration made this exhibition possible. Our thanks also to Purdy Hicks Gallery, Flowers Gallery and the Tree Art Gallery for their support of the show.
Simon Baxter, Forest Bathing. Photographic print. Courtesy of the artist and The Tree Art Gallery.
Shinrin-Yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing installation view at St Mary's Hospital.
Digital health kiosks to help prevent
chronic conditions in staff
Anewpilot programme to help staff at our hospitals track their health with the aim of managing and preventing chronic health conditions will soon be underway thanks to funding from Imperial Health Charity.
Five new 'digital health kiosks', are set to be installed, giving staff the opportunity to complete self-service health checks and wellbeing questionnaires.
Through the kiosks, staff will be able to measure health factors including blood pressure, height, weight, stress, alcohol intake, and tobacco use, and create an online profile to track their results and receive signposting to health services, management tools and advice.
Health Improvement Lead Shivangi Medhi hopes the pilot will particularly benefit Hotel Services staff, who were identified during a focus group as facing significant barriers to accessing health services and managing
long-term conditions. This is due to shift patterns, job roles, and other equity-related factors.
Medhi said: “I’m delighted Imperial Health Charity is funding this pilot, making it easier for our staff to monitor their health and wellbeing.
“By providing quick, self-service checks and signposting to support, we hope these kiosks will support staff to manage their health. We provide excellent services to our patients, so it’s equally important that we look after the health and wellbeing of our staff. This initiative is about equity and prevention, and supports other projects aimed at creating a healthier workplace for everyone.”
The project team will be working collaboratively with the Trust's People and Organisational Development and Facilities teams to identify locations across the hospitals which are easy for staff to access.
Celebrating our longstanding NHS staff
InNovember, we sponsored The Long Service Awards in celebration of the incredible contributions of over 500 members of staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Staff in attendance had worked at the Trust for 20 to 45 years, and it was a pleasure to recognise their extraordinary commitment to our hospitals and the wider north west London community.
One staff member shared:
“The entire 20 years of me being a staff nurse with the trust will always hold a special memory in my heart. Where colleagues became my family, though they come and go, the personal connection remains strong and intact.”
In addition to thank you speeches from our Chief Executive, Gail Scott-Spicer, and the Trust’s Chief Executive, Professor Tim Orchard, staff received a badge, a certificate and afternoon tea.
Gail shared: "Your years of service are more than just a number – they hold within them thousands of stories of lives changed, and of excellence delivered day after day. You are the heartbeat of the Trust, and we are honoured to work alongside you."
Thank you to all staff who attended for your years of care and compassion.
ABOVE: Hotel worker at Charing Cross Hospital
New mural at St Mary's celebrates our shared history
Avibrant new mural celebrating the long and shared history of the railway and the NHS has been unveiled outside the A&E department at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.
The piece, A Train Through Time, was installed in October, and has transformed the entrance into a colourful and welcoming space.
Created by artist Nina Cosford, the stunning new mural was made possible thanks to funding from Great Western Railways as part of its Railway 200 anniversary celebrations.
Inspired by St Mary’s Hospital’s rich history, Nina wanted to celebrate the diverse workforce of the NHS, and the local community it serves, while marking the importance of train journeys staff and patients have made over the years – and will
continue to make long into the future.
Nina said: “I've loved working with Imperial Health Charity and Great Western Railway to help bring some new life to this wall outside St Mary's Hospital.
“It's amazing to think how many different people can cross paths each day - I wanted to show this and the passing of time as you move from one end of the mural to the other.
“I hope that everyone who passes by will enjoy seeing this scene of colour and history and spot all the little stories within it.”
- Nina Cosford, Artist
“I hope that everyone who passes by will enjoy seeing this scene of colour and history and spot all the little stories within it.”
For patients, the mural provides a cheerful and uplifting first impression as they enter the hospital. Coming to hospital – particularly to A&E – can be stressful and disorienting, and welcoming artwork like this can make a big difference to patients’ and visitors’ wellbeing.
The work is already having a
positive impact on staff and visitors alike. Dr Emily Cadman, Paediatric Consultant at St Mary’s, said, “The artwork is fantastic! It is going to serve as a colourful, cheerful point of interest to all visitors. I look forward to making arrangements with colleagues to ‘meet at Brunel at 9 o’clock!’”
This new mural is just one part of Imperial Health Charity’s extensive arts programme. This vitally important area of our work aims to both enhance our patient spaces with beautiful artwork, and enhance the patient, staff and visitor experience by bringing creative workshops, arts activities and performances to our hospitals.
Gail Scott-Spicer, our Chief Executive, said: “We are extremely grateful to Great Western Railway for the funding that made this magnificent collaboration with artist Nina Cosford possible. Her stunning mural is a celebration of the unique and important relationship between the NHS and the railway, and we’re proud to have been able to work with Nina to make this a reality.”
You can find out more about our Arts programme on our website at imperialcharity.org. uk/arts
ABOVE: The new mural by Nina Cosford outside St Mary's Hospital's A&E entrance
The team unveiling the new plaque
Share your story and inspire others
Have you or a loved one received outstanding care at one of our hospitals? Imperial Health Charity would love to hear from you.
We’re inviting patients and their families to share their stories about the brilliant care and compassion they’ve experienced from the dedicated teams across our hospitals.
Your story could help celebrate the incredible work of our doctors, nurses and support staff – the people who go above and beyond every day to make a difference. By sharing your experience, you’ll not only shine a light on their commitment but also inspire others who may be going through similar journeys.
Whether it’s a life-changing treatment, a moment of kindness, or an act of teamwork that touched your life, we’d love to feature your story in Focus Magazine and on our social media channels.
To get involved, email: communications@ imperialcharity.org.uk.
First ECMO patient revisits Hammersmith Hospital
Overthe summer we were delighted to invite the first patient to receive care from a pioneering new technology back to visit the team who saved his life.
Robert was the first patient to benefit from new, charity-funded ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) machines, after being diagnosed with a lifethreatening heart condition. When Robert initially arrived at Hammersmith Hospital’s ICU, his heart was failing. He has been diagnosed with cardiogenic shock (a condition where the heart fails to pump enough blood around the body), and had been rushed to Hammersmith’s specialist cardiac unit.
There, thanks to the support of Dr Louit Thakuria and his team, the ECMO machine was put to work, which allowed him to stabilise and begin the long road to recovery.
Now that he’s feeling well again, Robert was delighted to return to Hammersmith and find out more about the incredible technology that saved his life.
He said: “At first I didn’t really understand what the ECMO machine did, but now I’m incredibly grateful. That machine – alongside the incredible staff here – helped save my life.”
The ECMO machine acts as an artificial heart and lungs, removing blood from the body, oxygenating it, and then returning it. This allows time for the patient’s own heart and lungs to recover.
Dr Louit Thakuria, who led Robert’s care, said: “It has been a great privilege for our team to care for Robert, and to see his remarkable recovery. His survival is a direct result of the life-saving therapy provided by our pilot ECMO service, generously supported by the Charity.”
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are helping make cuttingedge treatments like ECMO accessible to more patients. If you would like to make a gift to support our critical care team, you can do so via our website.
ABOVE: Robert (centre) with the ICU team who saved his life
Cardiac patient celebrates “guardian angels” who nursed him to health
To mark World Heart Day 2025, Simon shares his story of treatment, care and recovery in Hammersmith Hospital's A9 Ward and Intensive Care Unit.
“Cheers!” My wife, son and daughter-in-law were sitting with me in a corner brasserie in Paris in July. The toast was champagne, and at 11am, unusually early in the day. But it was my birthday, a significant one, and breaking rules about morning drinking seemed unimportant, as the reality of being able to clink glasses to toast the occasion hit home.
Just seven months previously, I’d been a patient in the care of A9 Ward at Hammersmith Hospital, having undergone ‘routine’ surgery to repair two of my heart valves. The operation, in the secure hands of my wonderful surgeon, Mr Emad Al Jaaly, had gone smoothly. I was about to be discharged when I suddenly felt very unwell, vomited twice and collapsed.
What followed is a blur of halfremembered chaos as a crash team pumped me full of meds and prepared to open my chest for a second operation. “I’m sorry,” said Mr Al Jaaly, “we have to do it.” Despite having suffered a cardiac arrest owing to a buildup of fluid around my heart, I managed to maintain my sense of the ridiculous: “Do you consent
to our cutting off your pyjamas?”
Someone asked. “As if! Of course,” I struggled to reply.
After three days of anaesthetic unconsciousness, I emerged into Hammersmith’s ICU with my chest reconstructed and my heart beating again. I set out on my recovery pathway, a journey that led to that celebratory glass of birthday champagne.
While my family were toasting me, I was quietly raising my glass to the team in Hammersmith Hospital Cardiology Unit and ICU who saved my life. From Paris, I emailed my infinite gratitude to the two wonderful ANPs, Marta and Valentina (pictured), who managed to coax my reluctant heart to restart and allowed my second life to begin. They were my guardian angels.
The whole team deserves my deep gratitude. They looked after me with not just outstanding professional care, but with love. They made me laugh when I was low, and washed and dressed me when things went wrong. All uncomplainingly and with great good humour. In fact, nine months on, I still feel a huge bond of friendship with them all. Thanks to the care and affection everyone wrapped me in, I’ve made a complete recovery and have only the fondest and most appreciative memories of my three weeks on DuCane Road. Cheers!
Dates for your diary
WE HAVE LOTS OF EXCITING EVENTS COMING UP FOR YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL! TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S COMING UP AND HOW TO TAKE PART.
SANTA IN THE CITY
DATE: 3-4 DECEMBER
Get into the festive spirit with our Santa-themed race around London! Santa in the City takes place over two evenings in December and consists of 4.5km route that starts and finishes at St Paul’s Cathedral.
WINTER WALK
DATE: 24/25 JANUARY
Stride through London’s historic landmarks in the Winter Walk! Choose 10 km, half or fullmarathon route, support a great cause, and start the year with a challenge!
HACKNEY HALF
DATE: 7 MAY
Join us on this exciting half marathon through the vibrant East London! With music and entertainment following you along the way, you are sure to have a fun challenge.
We have events all year round for you to take part in. You might be a thrill seeker, a running addict or a whizz with a whisk. Whatever your passion, we have something for everyone. View our full list of fundraising opportunities on our website.
A fantastic way to help our hospitals is to make a regular gift. You can set up a monthly donation via direct debit. Head to imperialcharity.org.uk/donate to find out more.
For more information on how to get involved visit imperialcharity.org.uk/supportus
ABOVE: Simon (centre) with his guardian angels
"Patients can sometimes be in the chair for five or six hours... Just having something to take your mind off it all will help."
- Chemotherapy patient Steve
Support people living with cancer this winter
This winter, people with cancer receiving chemotherapy treatment at Charing Cross Hospital need your support. Our Winter Appeal, launched in November, aims to transform the hospital’s chemotherapy day unit into a warm and welcoming space.
Chemotherapy sessions can take many hours, and can be long, exhausting, and lonely. Our cancer care team works tirelessly to provide comfort and vital clinical care, but with your generosity we can go beyond what the NHS alone can provide.
Steve has been a patient at the chemotherapy day unit at Charing Cross for three years, after being diagnosed with bladder cancer, and knows only too well
how challenging treatment can be. Over time, Steve has built strong bonds with the nurses and other patients, but long hours in treatment can still feel isolating.
He said: “It can be tough. Having different coloured walls, artwork, or even a TV would make such a difference. Just something to help take your mind off it all.”
With your support, we can help provide comfortable recliner chairs, beautiful artwork and entertainment to help patients
How can I make a donation?
1. Fill in a donation form
Complete the form on page 15 of this magazine, tear it off and post it back to us at the following address: Imperial Health Charity 11th Floor 5 Merchant Square London, W2 1AY
2. Donate online
To make a donation online, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/donate
3. Give us a call
To discuss your donation in confidence, call our fundraising team on 020 3640 7766
relax and feel less alone during treatment.
By supporting our Winter Appeal, you are helping to make the chemotherapy day unit a place of hope, comfort, and reassurance. Your generosity will make a huge difference to people undergoing cancer treatment not just now, but for many years to come.
Please consider supporting our Winter Appeal today.
Can I support you by taking part in a fundraising event?
Yes, absolutely! You can take part in one of our fundraising events or organise one of your own.
1. Take part in one of our fundraising events
We organise lots of fundraising events throughout the year. You can take a look at our latest events at imperialcharity.org.uk/ fundraising-events
2. Organise your own event
Got an idea in mind already? We can help ensure your event is successful with support, promotional materials and tips to help you on your way.
ABOVE AND BELOW: chemotherapy patient, Steve (above) and Senior Charge Nurse Faizal
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Do you have an idea for a sporting challenge or a sponsored event? Fundraise for Imperial Health Charity and we’ll support you every step of the way. For upcoming events and fundraising ideas, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/fundraising-events or call 020 3640 7766
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Volunteers play an important role in helping our hospitals. To find out more about our latest volunteering opportunities, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer or call 020 3005 6391
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Are you a member of staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust? You may be eligible to apply for funding. To find out more, visit imperialcharity.org.uk/grants or call 020 3006 5328
About us
Imperial Health Charity helps our hospitals do more through grants, arts, volunteering and fundraising.
We fund major redevelopments, research and medical equipment as well as helping patients and their families at times of extreme financial difficulty.
Supporting the arts in healthcare, we manage an Arts Council accredited hospital art collection and run an arts engagement programme for patients and NHS staff. We also manage volunteering across all five hospitals, adding value to the work of staff and helping to improve the hospital experience for patients. Fundraising through major appeals and community events enables us to continue our important work.
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@ImperialCharity @charityimperial
@ImperialCharity
Imperial Health Charity 11th Floor, 5 Merchant Square London, W2 1AY imperialcharity.org.uk
T: 020 3640 7766
E: info@imperialcharity.org.uk
