A remarkable act of generosity has made an immediate difference to patients at the Charles Dickens Unit, where a special visit marked an extraordinary gift from the Peggy Wood Foundation.
On 5 December, the Unit welcomed the Foundation’s Chairman, Bryn Annis, to express heartfelt thanks for all he and the Foundation have done – and continue to do – to support the Kent Oncology Centre at Maidstone Hospital.
During the visit, the team celebrated an exceptionally generous donation of £93,000 to the MTW Hospitals Charity, which has funded the purchase of five double scalp coolers. This vital equipment allows up to ten chemotherapy patients to use the scalp cooling system at the same time, giving many more people the option to reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss during treatment.
The coolers are already installed and in daily use on the Charles Dickens ward, making an immediate and meaningful difference to patient care. SACT Matron Lisa Godsiff and SACT Sister Hannah Van Noort shared first-hand insight into how this investment is enhancing the treatment experience.
This latest contribution builds on the Peggy Wood Foundation’s long-standing support for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. A few years ago, the Foundation funded a cutting-edge ICG Sentinel Lymph Node Detection System, now routinely used to treat patients with gynaecological cancers – a testament to the wide-reaching impact of their generosity.
The Kent Oncology Centre is one of the largest and most successful cancer centres in the country, caring for around 150,000 patients each year and delivering approximately 37,000 chemotherapy treatments. The team consistently meets national cancer standards and recently achieved the new Faster Diagnosis Standard, ensuring patients begin treatment within 28 days – a milestone that reflects the commitment of staff and the vital support of donors.
The Head of Charity and Fundraising for MTW Hospitals Charity, Claire Ashby, added: “We are so grateful when our local community give back to the Hospital, allowing us to support our patients with incredible innovations and treatment experiences. Our ongoing working relationship with The Peggy Wood Foundation and other similar local charities who support our work is essential in helping us meet the needs of the growing number of patients we care for each year”
The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, recognising the Foundation’s outstanding generosity and ongoing support for the Kent Oncology Centre.