Senior figures in Norfolk back cancer fundraising campaign

The Lord Bishop of Norwich is backing the Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal (TRA) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital by hosting an event today (1st October) where senior figures have signed a pledge to support the cancer fundraising campaign.

Those signing the TRA pledge are the Right Reverend Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich; Philip Blanchflower, Chairman of Big C; Daniel Williams, Chief Executive of Big C; Simon Bailey, Temporary Chief Constable of Norfolk; Noel Warner, Chair of Norfolk and Waveney Prostate Cancer Support Group, Provincial Grand Mason John Rushmer and Wendy Adams, Vice Chairman of the Norfolk Federation of WIs. The group was joined by Martin Bell OBE, the broadcaster and former MP, who is also supporting the campaign in his role as patron of the Norfolk and Waveney Prostate Cancer Support Group.

The Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Richard Jewson and the Right Reverend Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia have also committed to signing the TRA pledge although they were not able to be at the event.

The Right Reverend Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich, says: “I am pleased to endorse the appeal which will have such significant benefit for local cancer patients. By bringing together public figures I hope we will encourage others to raise money for the appeal and to get the message out to a wider audience.”
Health Minister Norman Lamb MP spoke in support of the campaign although he was unable to be at the event. He said: “The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital is the only hospital providing radiotherapy for cancer patients in Norfolk. It is incredibly important to ensure that people have access to good quality modern medical facilities and, where possible, for treatments to be available locally.”

Daniel Williams, Chief Executive of Big C says: “Big C is very pleased to have pledged £50k towards this appeal. As Norfolk's cancer charity we are very pleased to be supporting the development of new specialist treatment and expertise which will improve the lives of local people.”

Anna Dugdale, Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, says: “We are very grateful for this pledge of support by leaders within our community for the Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal campaign which will make a huge difference to the lives of local people and their families.”

Martin Bell OBE is also holding an ‘Evening with Martin Bell’ in aid of the TRA appeal on 21st November at OPEN, the venue at Bank Plain in Norwich.

The Targeted Radiotherapy Appeal aims to raise £600,000 to provide state-of-the-art facilities at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for people undergoing internal radiotherapy, known as brachytherapy which is used to treat prostate and other cancers, reducing treatment times and meaning some patients can be treated closer to home. For more information, go to: http://www.justgiving.com/NNUH-TargetedRadiotherapyAppeal