Cancer charity urges supporters to keep giving over festive period

23rd December 2015

The dedicated charity for the regions only cancer hospital is encouraging donors to think of those fighting cancer over the festive period by donating to its Christmas Star Appeal.

Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity launched its Christmas Star Appeal, sponsored by Napoleons Casino and supported by the Sheffield Star, back in November and says it is once again overwhelmed by the response received from local supporters. Fundraising Manger, Helen Gentle said, -Thanks to supporters across the region, we've raised an incredible amount of money which enables us to support cancer patients, not only throughout the festive season, but long into the future. -So far this year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the appeal has raised over £30,000 which will go towards funding pioneering research projects, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and support ongoing care provisions for patients and their families in the New Year -Donations to the Appeal this year have also helped us to improve the festive season for those who sadly have to spend time in hospital over Christmas by enabling us to purchase small gifts and festive treats to help make the big day a little brighter for patients in hospital and their families". If you've yet to make your Christmas donation it's not too late, you still have time to join the hundreds of people who have already donated and chosen to support the crucial work of Weston Park Hospital at this special time of year. Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire a population of almost 1.8million people. Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer. Miss South Yorkshire 2015, who is also a Student Radiographer at Weston Park Hospital is supporting the cancer charity's Christmas Star Appeal after seeing first-hand how donations to the charity can transform the lives of cancer patients. Stephanie Hill of Dore, Sheffield said, -'I am supporting the Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity Christmas Star Appeal not only because I am currently training there to become a Therapy Radiographer in the Radiotherapy Department, but I also see the wonderful work that the staff and employees undertake on a daily basis. -I have experienced first-hand the benefits patients and their families will gain from the support the appeal will provide. With half of all people born since 1960 expected to be affected by cancer in their life time, the cancer charity needs to raise over £1.8 million each year to enable the funding of committed and new projects that will keep local patients at the forefront of cancer treatment. Donations to Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity's Christmas Star Appeal can be made via post, online at www.Christmasstarapppeal.org.uk or by texting WPCC15 followed by the amount you would like to donate (£1, £2, £3, £5 or £10) to 70070. Supporters are encouraged to support the appeal via social media channels Facebook and Twitter by submitting a photo with their silver stars using the hashtag #starselfie. Issued by Cassie Melluish for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity. For more information please call 0114 2265089. Picture Caption: Miss South Yorkshire & Student Radiographer at Weston Park Hospital, Stephanie Hill takes 'starselfie' in support of cancer charity's Christmas Star Appeal