Leicestershire’s High Sheriff has visited an internationally renowned Cancer trails centre in the county, to find out more about their life-saving research projects and treatments.
Leicester’s Hope Cancer Trials Centre, received a fact-finding visit from Mehmooda Duke MBE DL, last week.
Based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, the centre welcomes patients from Leicestershire and beyond, who are able to receive world-class care and innovative treatments, not yet available on the NHS.
A partnership between Leicester’s Hospitals and the University of Leicester, the research that takes place at the Hope Cancer Trials Centre and in the laboratories of the Leicester Cancer Research Centre is supported by local charity, Hope Against Cancer.
Mrs. Duke, accompanied by Hope Against Cancer trustees, spoke both to members of the research staff, who were on hand to explain some of the projects currently in progress, and to members of the specialist nursing staff funded by Hope Against Cancer.
“It’s a wonderful thing for everyone in our area that we have this facility available for our use”, said Mrs. Duke. “Cancer affects so many people in every one of our local communities, and the Hope Cancer Trials Centre offers them pathways to better outcomes than they may imagine when they first receive their diagnosis.
“This is something that everyone locally should be proud of. I’m delighted to have found out all about the work being done here and will do all I can to spread the word and encourage support for Hope Against Cancer and the Hope Cancer Trials Centre: after all – what would we do without Hope?”
The Hope Cancer Trials Centre was founded in 2012 and officially opened by Leicester Tigers legend and Hope patron, Martin Johnson. Demand for its work quickly grew to a point where, in 2019-2020, Hope Against Cancer successfully led efforts to raise £1.5m to double its size. Cancer treatments are rapidly changing and the Centre is at the forefront of testing some of the most cutting-edge treatments in the world, with around 100 clinical trials taking place at any one time.
Professor Anne Thomas, Director of the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, added: “Awareness is key to generating vital support in difficult times, and we’re so grateful that the High Sheriff gave her time not only to visit but also to engage with so many of our staff.”
To find out more, visit: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/
