Discover The Yorkshire Charity Transporting Patients in Need
Weston Park Cancer Charity ensures patients can get to any of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals sites to attend tests or receive cancer treatment without added worry or stress over transportation
The charity was set up in 1994 by Professor Barry Hancock, with the aim of buying a new scanner for Weston Park Cancer Centre’s radiotherapy department. Thirty years on, Professor Hancock is still a big supporter of the charity and the work it undertakes.
‘Weston Park Cancer Charity basically is here to face cancer with you,’ explains deputy CEO Cat Rhone. ‘Our services, advice, therapies and support are for you and the people close to you, helping everyone to live with and beyond cancer. The funds we raise also support vital, pioneering research and clinical trials led by the exceptional medical experts at Weston Park Cancer Centre. It’s our job to care in every sense for our patients and their families. Our help is free, and we’re here for you at every step.’
The charity’s support services include free transport to and from Sheffield hospitals, free complimentary therapy sessions, emotional and practical support, welfare appointments and the Big Purple Bus (which brings cancer support services directly to local communities). Other regular services include acupuncture sessions, bra fitting appointments, hypnotherapy, legal advice, relaxation sessions, skincare and makeup workshops, hair-loss services, art therapy sessions, coffee mornings and support groups.
Weston Park Cancer Charity also fund research projects to improve understanding and treatment of cancer. ‘By investing in medical, scientific and care-related research, we can enable people to live longer and better lives with or beyond cancer,’ says Cat. ‘Much of our research funding goes towards four key areas: preventing cancer spread, bringing new cancer treatments to the clinic, integrating modern imaging into patient care, and improving quality of life and the cancer experience during and beyond treatment.’
At the end of 2021 the charity’s Barnsley service launched, and Rotherham was added in 2022. ‘Driven by a team of volunteers, the buses provide a friendly and comfortable environment for patients to not only get to their appointments but also meet others who are going through similar journeys,’ Cat says. ‘We are proud to have recruited 28 fantastic volunteer minibus drivers, without whom we wouldn’t be able to run our transport service.
‘As long-term supporters of the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at Weston Park Cancer Centre, more recently we have funded a role to support the recruitment of teenagers and young adults to take part in clinical trials.’
There are many ways to support Weston Park Cancer Charity, from a simple donation to taking on a fundraising challenge, giving in memory or leaving a gift in your will. ’A quick, easy way to support the work we do is to make a donation. This can be done online, by post, over the phone, or by popping into any of our locations,’ says Cat. They also have a jam-packed events programme, from their annual race evening at Doncaster Racecourse to a Walk As One event in Sheffield. ‘Donating your time is [also] an extremely valuable form of support and we are so grateful to our volunteers,’ Cat continues. ‘We have various volunteering opportunities, from volunteering at a one-off event to becoming a regular driver for our transport service.’
Proud of the progress they have made in improving the lives of people affected by cancer, across the region, Cat says there is still more to do to deliver their ambitious strategy. ‘By 2025 we want everyone to know about Weston Park Cancer Charity – so that people know about us and how we can help them and their loved ones,’ she explains. ‘To address health inequalities across the region – so that every person can access excellent cancer care, regardless of who they are or where they live in the region. To provide free transport to attend hospital appointments for treatment and care, for anyone who needs it – so that people don’t decline potentially life-saving treatment due to financial pressures and other concerns. To support Weston Park to be a leading UK cancer research centre – so that people with cancer are given the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials and studies.’
They also want everyone to be able to access support and donate through digital platforms – so that people have greater choice and control over how to engage with the charity – and for people to see the difference they make to the lives of people with cancer and their families. ‘So that people understand the difference their money makes and feel inspired to support our work,’ Cat finishes.
Cat says the easiest and simplest way to support the charity is to spread the word. ‘If you know somebody currently affected by cancer, please tell them about us and the services we provide, from our free transport service to our complimentary therapies. Weston Park Cancer Charity is here to face cancer with you #TogetherAtEveryStep.’
To find out more about Weston Park Cancer Charity visit westonpark.org.uk.
