POP UP SHOP IN TROWBRIDGE RAISES £19,750
See Branches page for more details
MINI MUSIC FESTIVAL AT KOMEDIA
On the 10/02/23 Komedia (comedy club located in what was formally the Beau Nash cinema in Westgate Street, Bath), in conjunction with Bath Spa University, are holding a mini music festival event from 5.45 pm to 10.00 pm featuring what they describe as ‘at least 3 of the best local bands across 2 stages’. They are currently selling tickets via their online ticket portal that are available ‘free with the option to pay-what-you want in aid of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group’ https://www.komedia.co.uk/bath/music/free-music-festival-feb-2023/.
All income from the ticket sales will be donated to the charity and four volunteers will be there with collection buckets.
Donation of £3000 by Hawksmoor Investment Management
The Trustees were delighted to receive a donation from Hawksmoor who have very kindly offered to support some fundraising events by the Charity in 2023. We are very much looking forward to working with Ian, Rob and Dean in 2023. More information about future events to be released in the New Year.
Mike Taylor (BCUSG Trustees Chair) and Sue Oliver (Vice Chair) receive a cheque from Ian Bailey, Rob Robson and Dean Hodgson of Hawksmoor Investment Management Ltd, Bath office.
CHARITY ART AUCTION RAISES £2600
Councillor Graham Hill, the Mayor of Trowbridge opened the Art Auction, held at the Court Street Gallery to whom thanks are due for providing an exhibition and auction space. Thanks also go to the 36 talented local artists who donated 50 pieces of work to be auctioned. 42 pieces were sold with only 8 not reaching the reserve price, although buyers are currently being sought.
The evening was a great success with a relaxed atmosphere. Wine flowed thanks to generous donations by Andrew Brownsword and Tescos. Thanks also to St Brendan’s College in Bristol who provided both the posters and the auction catalogue.
Jen Hamblin and Mary Brading headed up the organisation for this wonderful event and the auctioneer did a great job keeping order as the live auction got underway.
The final piece to be sold was a painting of Marilyn Monroe by a local Trowbridge student who was the inspiration behind the event.
Bath Half 2022 - Runners Raise £5706
The 40th Anniversary Bath Half Marathon took place on the 16 October 2022 with over 7000 runners taking part. Spectators lined almost all the route and included several bands, parties taking place outside pubs and open topped buses with cheering parties. Runners wore technology that identified their times and race positions.
Six runners ran the race for BCUSG and raised sponsorship for the charity totalling a fantastic £5,706.
BCUSG would like to thank all our runners for their support and hard work in both running the race, raising sponsorship and taking the time to visit our stand in the Runners’ Village.
Next year’s race is on the 15 October 2023 and BUCSG has a limited number of secured runners’ places available to book now. If you or someone you know is up for the challenge in participating in this major event in the running calendar and would like to help us in making a real difference for local cancer patients, please e-mail Alan Webb on [email protected] for details and an application form.
The leading sponsorship raisers for BCUSG were Martin Hender (£3,552), Ian McPherson (£1,466) and Helen Essery (£624).
Martin Hender
who raised £3,552
Ian McPherson who raised £1,466 shown here with
Rebecca Nottingham
Helen Essery who raised £624 seen here with Mike & Alan in the Runners' Village (photo courtesy of Richard Clarke Photos)
CORSLEY CEILIDH
Many thanks to the organisers of the Ceilidh which was held on the 3 September and raised £4836.16.
Another event is planned for next year. Check out here later for further details.
NEW BRANCH
If you can help the new branch being formed covering the Frome, Shepton Mallet and Radstock areas please see Branches page for information.
Rotary Club of Bradford on Avon Golf Day
BCUSG is very grateful to members of the Rotary Club of Bradford on Avon who made the charity the sole beneficiary of the Golf Day held at Cumberwell Park Golf Club on 19 May.
This event had been postponed twice for Covid but was held on a sunny day with little wind. Ideal for golf!
The event, which included a Raffle and Auction, enabled a donation of £6550. Presentation of the cheque was made at the end of the prize giving.
An event of this type requires a lot of hard work from the Rotary Club members and the staff at Cumberwell. Many thanks to them all.
BCUSG itself entered a team which played well but unfortunately did not win any of the prizes.
Photo above - Rotarian David Gray, Mike Taylor (Chair of BCUSG Trustees), Rotary President Chris Foggett and BCUSG Trowbridge Branch Committee member Ian Grant.
Photo left - BCUSG Team comprising Mike Taylor, Ian Gray, Ian Grant and Peter Dunn
MAD MARCH MILE PRESENTATION
Sean and Gretchen, the organisers of the Mad March Mile attended a presentation at Southwick Country Park on the 23 April. Sean gave a short speech and Mike, the BCUSG Chair thanked all the participants as well as the wonderful organisers and outlined the current fundraising project. An amazing sum of £3000 had been raised during the event which included a donation by the photographer, Martin Pearce. Mike, Sue, Alan and Jude helped to distribute named mugs to the participants and three further mugs were sold raising another £30.
Mad March Mile Raises £2,729 for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG)
BCUSG was delighted to be selected as the beneficiary charity for the Mad March Mile 2022 fundraising event.
The Mad March Mile is an informal social media group of runners and cyclists headed up by Sean Price and his sister Gretchen Tucker who organise this fundraising event on an annual basis. People signing up for the 2022 Mad March Mile could choose to run or walk a mile each day, or even cycle or swim as long as it took a similar amount of time as running a mile (about 15-20 mins).
BCUSG Fundraising Lead Alan Webb said “we’d like to say a huge thank you to Sean, Gretchen and all the participants in the Mad March Mile for their efforts and generosity in raising such a fabulous sum for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group helping us to make a real difference for local cancer patients”.
QUIET ROOM COMPLETED
The new quiet room is providing a much valued space:
- to support family meetings away from the wards
- for one to one support meetings with clinical staff from across the trust
- to support virtual training sessions, both for staff within the hospital and for staff across our local area
- to support virtual meetings to plan and enable coordinated palliative and end of life care across our hospital, but also with partner organisations
The new storage facility within the quiet room also provides a dedicated and dignified space for the resources used to support compassionate patient care across the hospital, including:
- Memory Boxes
- Wedding Boxes
- Butterfly Comfort Bags
- Butterfly Bereavement Bags.
BCUSG Christmas Tree on display at Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on Avon
Children admiring the BCUSG Christmas Tree at Lacock Abbey
Launch of appeal for two Advanced Radiotherapy Positioning Units at the RUH
See Current Projects page for details of the units which will transform cancer treatment for patients at the RUH.
Lisa Tolson, Radiotherapy Service Manager at the RUH stated "The prospect of having this new technology in our department is really exciting. We’re so thankful to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group for making it the focus of their new fundraising campaign.
“Every year the number of cancer patients needing treatment at the RUH is increasing, so we are always looking at efficiencies while maintaining the very highest standards of healthcare so that patients have the best possible outcomes. This is exactly what surface guided radiotherapy technology provides.
“It will give reassurance that patients are receiving the right doses of radiation in exactly the right place, thereby ensuring their safety at all times. So please support the fundraising campaign and help ensure that patients at the RUH can benefit from this ground-breaking technology.”
BCUSG Vice-Chair Sue Oliver has personal experience of radiotherapy treatment that leaves permanent marks. “For a woman who has had breast cancer, it’s a reminder every time I look in the mirror of the disease, my treatment and my fight against it,” said Sue.
“So, when we were asked to fund the two SGRT systems for the RUH, I supported it one hundred percent, not only because other patients won’t have to live with permanent markers, but also because the technology will allow healthcare professionals to position patients more accurately and target treatment more effectively.”
To donate to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group’s new campaign, or discuss becoming a corporate partner, please email Alan Webb at [email protected] or phone 07896 741233.
5,000 Patient to be scanned on PETCT scanner
Martyn Evans, Consultant Medical Physicist has estimated that in the 3rd week of November the 5,000th patient will be scanned on the PETCT scanner.
He says "5,000 patients seen locally due to the fantastic work and generosity of BCUSG.
"On behalf of all those patients and our team, THANK YOU!"
Martyn Evans, Consultant Medical Physicist
Bath cyclist completes epic two-day ride for cancer unit charity
Energetic cyclist Mat Belgrove has completed a gruelling 200-mile bike ride from Bath to Brighton in aid of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG).
The father of two from Combe Down has raised £1,051 (what’s final total?) so far and the money will be split equally between the charity, which funds vital medical equipment for the Royal United Hospital’s cancer unit, and the MS Society.
Mat was waved off on his epic ride at the RUH by his children, Lily (11) and Harry (8), who were joined by supporters of the BCUSG. He then cycled to Brighton via Marlborough and Henley on Thames, with an overnight stay in Windsor. Mat set off the following morning at 6am and cycled to London’s Clapham Common to meet friends who joined him for the final leg down to the south coast.
Mat said: “About six months ago, I convinced four friends - who only had one suitable bike between them - to complete the London to Brighton bike ride with me. I thought it would be a nice way to catch up and raise some money for charity.
“Cancer has impacted our family, with my father-in-law and his wife both having had successful treatment in Bath. Previously my grandpa died of cancer despite receiving the best care from the RUH. My auntie also passed away having battled ovarian cancer.
“And a close friend’s dad suffers from multiple sclerosis, so we all decided to raise funds for the MS Society on the London to Brighton leg of the ride.”
Mat Belgrove is waved off on his epic ride by BCUSG supporter Peter Duke, the Charity’s Head of Fundraising Alan Webb and its Chair, Mike Taylor.
Mat added: “I ride regularly and have done a number of 100-mile journeys, so I’m familiar with the training needed for this distance, but I’ve not attempted to do them back-to-back before. Despite having a slightly sore bottom, it was great feeling of achievement to finish the ride and support two such great causes.”
BCUSG chairman Mike Taylor said: “We’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Mat for his Herculean efforts in the saddle. He really did pull out all the stops to help us improve outcomes for cancer patients at the RUH.”
To make a donation to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group please contact [email protected] or phone 07896 741233.
Thanks go to the ASDA Foundation for their support in the Green Token Scheme and for hosting Trowbridge Branch's first supermarket collection since lockdown.
For full report see Trowbridge Branch page.
BCUSG GOLF DAY
Friday, 27 August 2021 at Orchardleigh.
2022
Following the recent postponement of the 2021 race, the next Bath Half is on the 13 March 2022.
The Charity has 10 available runner spaces - please see poster and application form below.
Why not enter a team?
Cost is £55pp which includes a bacon roll and coffee to set you up for the 18 hole course followed by a 2 course evening meal. Additional evening guests will be welcome at £20pp
If you can’t join us for dinner then how about just enjoying a bacon roll and coffee followed by a game of golf for £35 pp.
Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 teams and top 3 individual scores, plus longest drive and closest pin.
Can you take on the Challenge and raise money for Cancer Patients at the RUH.
Would you like to donate an item for auction? There will be an online auction running throughout the day and evening.
How about sponsoring a hole for £100? A pop up sign will be displayed at the tee and you will be able to keep the sign after the event.
To request a team place, donate an item for auction or sponsor a tee, please contact [email protected]
Come and have some fun whilst supporting this local charity.
Trowbridge Pop-Up Shop and Wishing Tree
The Shop reopened on the 17 April. It will be open on Fridays and Saturdays for 8 weeks.
Great news from Trowbridge branch who have raised more than £10,500 from their pop-up shop and the Wishing Tree in the Castle Place Shopping Centre, Trowbridge.
Many donations were made from supporters who then either gave a donation or purchased something from the shop.
Bath Cancer Unit Support Group wins £1,000 boost thanks to Ecclesiastical Insurance
The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) is one of 120 charities to receive the gift of a £1,000 donation as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical’s annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.
The money will go towards paying for vital medical equipment for the cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH).
Members of the public were invited to nominate a charity to win a share of £120,000 and the BCUSG was amongst the winners which were drawn at random. In the last couple of years this is the third occasion that BCUSG have been successful in winning a £1,000 donation in an Ecclesiastical giving campaign.
Alan Webb, head of fundraising at the BCUSG, said “We would like to thank everyone who nominated us. Currently, in conjunction with senior clinicians, we are identifying our next major fundraising project and the fantastic donation of £1,000 from Ecclesiastical Insurance will get us off to a great start.”
Ecclesiastical is a specialist insurer of the faith, heritage, fine art, charities, education and private client sectors and one of the UK’s top five company givers to charity.
Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical, said: “As a commercial company with a charitable purpose, giving back is at the heart of our business. We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”
Volunteers Wanted
The BCUSG is also looking for volunteers to join its new Bath fundraising group and for runners to take part in the 2021 Bath Half Marathon in aid of the RUH cancer unit. The charity has secured a number of places for next year’s event which is due to take place on the 5th of September.
If you would like to run the 2021 Bath Half on behalf of the BCUSG, or to discuss becoming a corporate partner, email Alan Webb at [email protected] for details and an application form.
For more information about becoming a volunteer contact BCUSG chairman Mike Taylor on 07714 087102 or email [email protected]
Dr Martyn Evans the Head of Imaging Physics and Nuclear Medicine has this to say now the Gamma Camera is in use:
"The new gamma camera is exceeding expectations in providing an incredible resolution and one of the first patients to benefit from it described the experience of being scanned as a significant improvement on the previous equipment.
"The system resolution is incredible (see image on the right), normally we would only be able to see possibly 4 sectors (at a push).
"The bone scan images we have acquired are just fantastic.
"Thank you for making the selection of this camera possible."
Project three - Gamma Camera
It is with great excitement that the new Gamma Camera has now been installed at the RUH. Initially the BCUSG were asked to raise £240,00 towards the new camera but were then asked for a further £100,00 to fund an updated version.
What does this mean for patients?
The benefit of a more advanced solid– state camera is better energy resolution giving clearer images for diagnosis. It also significantly improves sensitivity which will allow increased patient throughput permitting more timely scans and reduced patient delays.
Many thanks to all our wonderful fundraisers for enabling the purchase of this state of the art machine.
Local schoolchildren take on 3000 challenge for local cancer unit
Energetic primary schoolchildren are bouncing, dancing, cycling and scoring goals to raise much-needed funds for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG).
Lily and Harry Belgrove, who attend Combe Down Primary School, are taking on the charity’s #BCUSG3000Challenge in aid of the cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH).
Lily, aged 10, is bouncing 3,000 times on her trampoline while her seven-year-old brother, Harry, has pledged to score 3,000 football goals in his back garden.
And nine-year-old Amelie Taylor-Fall from Sutton Benger near Chippenham, who attends Kington St Michael C of E Primary School, is doing 3,000 minutes of activity including cycling, trampolining and dancing.
The three children have raised about £2,000 in total so far for the cancer unit - which treats about 3,000 new patients a year on average – but they hope to raise even more money.
The charity is asking people of all ages to dream up their own challenge based around the number 3,000 and help fund state-of-the-art medical equipment not provided by the NHS.
Whether it’s skipping or hopping 3,000 times or completing a distance of 3,000 metres (3k) in your garden, on roller skates or in fancy dress, anything goes.
People can share their fundraising photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #BCUSG3000Challenge and encourage others to get involved.
Alan Webb, who is the fundraising lead at the BCUSG, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Lily, Harry and Amelie for their fantastic fundraising efforts – very well done!
“Whatever your age or ability, we need more people to sign up to the #BCUSG3000Challenge and help us fund vital equipment to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients locally.”
For more information and guidance on how to take part in the Bath Cancer Unit #BCUSG3000Challenge go to https://www.bcusg.org
To create your own fundraising page or to make a donation using Virgin Money Giving go to BCUSG Virgin Money Giving page
Alternatively, to donate to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, or to discuss becoming a corporate partner, please email Alan Webb at [email protected] or phone 07896 741233.
The Chair, Mike Taylor, launches a new Challenge.
Hop, skip, skate or run - or come up with your own fundraising challenge - and help improve outcomes for local cancer patients.
We’re asking people of all ages to take on our fun #BCUSG3000Challenge and help raise vital funds for the cancer unit at Bath’s Royal United Hospital.
The RUH treats about 3,000 new patients a year on average from across Bath and West Wiltshire. But doctors need the latest state-of-the-art medical equipment to treat more patients more quickly.
So, we’re calling on parents, children, grandparents and individuals to dream up their own fundraising challenge based around the number 3,000 and help us pay for vital equipment.
Whether it’s skipping or hopping 3,000 times or completing a distance of 3,000 metres (3k) in your garden, on roller skates or in fancy dress, anything goes. The more imaginative your fundraising ideas, the better.
Share your photos
You can share your fundraising photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #BCUSG3000Challenge and encourage others to get involved.
Anyone can take part, whatever your age or ability, as long as you follow official guidance on social distancing and choose a challenge that’s appropriate for you and your abilities.
It’s a great way to have some fun during the long school break and help make a real difference to the lives of cancer patients locally.
Create a fundraising page
Setting up your own fundraising page couldn’t be easier and only takes a few seconds.
You can personalise your page with your challenge target, photos and video. Remember to spread the word to friends and family via Facebook and WhatsApp.
To create your own fundraising page or to make a donation using Virgin Money Giving go to:
BCUSG Virgin Money Giving page
HAVE FUN!
Trustees meet on Zoom
Not to be put off by being unable to meet face to face, the Trustees met via Zoom on Wednesday evening, 10 June 2020. It enabled a vote on providing an additional £100,000 in addition to the £240,000 already pledged towards the purchase of the latest Gamma Camera and will be the first of its type in the UK.
Half Marathon runners boost Bath cancer unit charity coffers by more than £4,000
A father has run his own half marathon to raise money for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG) and to thank the medical staff who are treating his wife.
Ian McPherson from Norton St Philip is one of several half marathon runners who have raised a total of £4,324 for the charity which provides vital medical equipment for cancer patients at Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH).
RUH reaches 3,000th cancer scanner patient milestone
Doctors at Bath’s Royal United Hospital have treated their 3,000th patient using a £1.2m scanner which was funded by the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG).
The PET-CT scanner, which was unveiled at the RUH in 2016 by cookery writer and broadcaster Mary Berry, was the first to be permanently installed at an NHS hospital in the South West of England.
£1500 Donation
Thanks to the Staff Grants Committee of Bath based global on-line retailer Lovehoney for recommending that their Directors award a grant to BCUSG. The Directors have generously made a grant to us of £1,500.
£5,000,000 raised since we started!
Congratulations and many thanks to the huge number of people who have made this total possible, enabling many pieces of equipment to be purchased for the benefit of all the cancer patients in the RUH area. This sum has been raised entirely by volunteers giving their time and money as well as embarking on some spectacular activities.
To celebrate we will be holding a fundraising dinner during 2020. Already we have some amazing prizes for the raffle which will take place during the evening.
Watch this space for further information - or you can always contact the Secretary, Sally Pinner, on [email protected] Don't miss out on your ticket for what will be a wonderful evening.
ROTARY CLUB OF BRADFORD ON AVON PLEDGES FUNDRAISING FOR PORTABLE ULTRASOUND SCANNER
The Rotary Club of Bradford on Avon has pledged to use the whole of the profits from its Golf Day on the 19 May 2020 to funding the Portable Ultrasound Scanner costing £5,000. The Club has pledged to make up any difference between the funds raised on the day and cost of the Scanner.
The Rotary Club are appealing for both players and sponsorship of the event and the prize giving dinner following the event. If you would like to become involved, please contact Andrew Huxman at [email protected] or Dan Conley at [email protected].
PORTABLE ULTRASOUND SCANNER - THE EQUIPMENT
The Cancer Unit has high definition fixed Ultrasound Scanners used by the Breast Radiologists, however it is useful to have, in addition, a small portable scanner for use in the Outpatient Clinic Room and Operating Theatre. It will be used:
- To identify the presence and facilitate treatment and drainage of breast abscesses;
- To monitor the effectiveness of anti-Oestrogen Medical Therapy for breast cancer patients unable to have surgery;
- In the Operating Theatre to help more accurately locate the position of the tumour and facilitate its complete removal.
Chiquito in Trowbridge raise £1300
A massive thank to Chiquito in Trowbridge who opened its doors on Friday, 27 September 2019 for a fundraising breakfast on our behalf. The Company supplied the food and customers made a donation. The event was very well attended with a lovely atmosphere and fabulous food on offer. We were very spoilt with a glass of something (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic – the rhubarb/raspberry mix was wonderful and the writer would like the recipe!!) followed by an amazing choice of food and coffee.
A raffle was also held, which continued until the 29 September. Some fantastic prizes were on offer made possible with generous donations from local firms including vouchers towards meals and beauty products.
The efforts of the wonderful staff resulted in a fantastic total of £1300 being raised over the weekend.
Chiquito, Trowbridge - Fundraising
The fabulous staff at Chiquito in Trowbridge raised an amazing £500 for the charity at the Armed Forces weekend on the 29 and 30 June. The staff asked for donations for soft drinks, cupcakes, and their famous sombreros.
Wiltshire schoolchildren recognised
Wiltshire schoolchildren recognised for their energetic fundraising efforts for RUH cancer unit.
Three Wiltshire children who completed demanding walking and running challenges in aid of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group have been presented with special certificates at their school.
Coast to Coast in a Day
Andy Single, a 50 year old father of two from Bradford on Avon is raising money for Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (Trowbridge Branch)
He’s entering Coast to Coast in a day, a 150 mile cycle ride across England from Seascale to Whitby on 29th June 2019.
This iconic route will take Andy through three of England’s finest National Parks.
His 150 mile journey begins with the infamous Lake District passes of Hardknott and Wrynose, but this is only the start – he’ll then cross the Yorkshire Dales, the Vale of York and the wild North York Moors, finishing in the seaside town of Whitby. A stunning 150 mile with 4500m of ascent road ride, a route cycled by hundreds of people every year, usually over 4 or 5 days. But Andy’s doing it in just 1 day!
You can support and sponsor him on https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndySingle1
Let’s help him raise as much as possible.
Also a massive thank you to the Bradford on Avon Lions Club for their kind sponsorship and support.
Significant Donors' Evening
The Charity welcomed 68 guests to its annual evening where fundraisers are thanked for their achievements during the year.
The evening commenced with a welcome from the Chair of the Charity and then supper. A short speech was given by the Chair and also the new Chair of the RUH, Alison Ryan.
Two of our youngest fundraisers were presented with their certificate - Theo and Rosie White had walked 30 miles raising over £800.
Presentations were then given by various RUH Staff on the equipment which the fundraising has gone towards and an update by the Matron of the Cancer Unit on the effectiveness of the 24 hour helpline.
Certificates were then presented including Royal London who have sponsored the charity for nearly three years and have raised approximately £50,000 in that time. Trowbridge Branch received a certificate for their donation in the sum of £25,000 and three special presentations were made.
Geoff Parselle kindly takes photos of many events and has done over a number of years and was presented with a Certificate. Helen Morgan who not only worked at the RUH but has also been a Trustee for many years and retired at the AGM in April was given a small gift, flowers and a certificate. Jeanne Ingham-Law also retired as a Trustee in April following many years supporting the Charity, however she is to remain a member of the Trowbridge Committee. Jeanne also received a small gift, flowers and a certificate.
A gift, certificate and thanks were also given to Chris Knechtli who was unable to be present. Chris is a member of the RUH staff and has also retired as a Trustee. Chris expressed his thanks to the Trustees in an e-mail to the Chair. He stated that "it has been a privilege to witness the amazing efforts that the BCUSG and the hundreds of people that support the Group put into their fundraising activities year after year. Please keep up this work as it has been and will continue to be a vital part of the service that we are able to provide for our patients in the local area."
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