autumn 2018 cobalt news · digital mammography equipment at the county hospital, hereford. 2018...

COBALT NEWS

Registered Charity No: 1090790

Autumn 2018

We believe everyone should have access to the best medical

imaging for their diagnosis. We are a charity that invests in equipment,

research and education to help this happen.

LAUNCHING

Welcome

Cobalt has been supporting cancer services since it was founded over 50 years ago. Today, we are a medical charity helping people affected by cancer, dementia and other conditions. Our sophisticated and innovative scanning equipment uses the latest technology. Each year we provide diagnostic imaging for over 65,000 patients at our Imaging Centres in Cheltenham and Birmingham and through our fleet of six mobile MRI scanners that travel throughout the United Kingdom. We invest in research, equipment and education that aims to deliver improvements in clinical diagnoses in the future.

We focus on offering equipment and services not generally available within the NHS. Our unique Imaging Centre in Cheltenham houses the UK’s first high field Open MRI scanner, designed for claustrophobic and larger patients, a high definition 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner, a state-of-the-art PET/CT scanner and the world’s first open extremity Cone Beam CT scanner. The mobile MRI fleet includes two of Europe’s first and only 3.0 Tesla MRI scanners and new 1.5 Tesla wide bore MRI systems. These units have been built to improve patient comfort, enable shorter scanning times and deliver superior image quality.

In addition to our contributions to many cancer, dementia and other research projects, we work closely with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to deliver a state-of-the-art imaging centre, primarily for research scanning for the Institute of Translational Medicine. The centre includes a high definition 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner.We deliver a programme of local, national and international training and education events for medical professionals. Our Cancer Prevention Team visit schools, colleges, businesses, social clubs and community groups within the Three Counties to discuss preventative measures and to raise awareness of how early detection can improve outcomes.

Our new appeal aims to supply equipment that will literally add a whole new dimension to mammogram images, enabling doctors to make earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Read on to find out more about this exciting new venture.

We couldn’t do what we do without you.

Head of Fundraising

What is the appeal about?One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime (Office for National Statistics). Survival for breast cancer is related to the stage of the disease at diagnosis. When diagnosed at its earliest stage, most women with breast cancer will survive their disease for five years or more, compared with 3 in 20 women when the disease is diagnosed at a later stage (when the tumour is larger or has spread outside the breast) (Cancer Research UK).

New 3D scanning technology is available which can enable a more accurate diagnosis of breast cancer at an earlier stage. Cobalt want to provide patients with the best possible chance of early diagnosis, using technology like this will enable more effective treatment and ultimately save lives.

How will Cobalt help?We would like to raise funds for new equipment for the Thirlestaine Breast Centre at Cobalt House. With your help we are striving to enhance facilities through the purchase of a 3 dimensional mammography machine, a special breast biopsy device and equipment to undertake mammography with a special dye (contrast medium) which will help to greatly improve patient care and reduce anxiety.

It is now approaching ten years since some of the equipment was purchased and in that time imaging and treatment diagnostics have developed at a pace. We need to continue to raise funds to support the Thirlestaine Breast Centre to ensure it has the latest state-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis.

In this issue, we are very excited to be launching our new Gloucestershire Breast Cancer Equipment Appeal.

Julia Jenkins

Cobalt News – Autumn 2018. P3

Continued >>>

There are three pieces of equipment now needed by the Thirlestaine Breast Centre to ensure it can continue to provide the very best service to patients in Gloucestershire:

• 3 Dimensional Mammography Equipment. Mammogram pictures are normally 2D but the new machine will provide 3D pictures, more like a hologram, of the whole of the breast which increases clarity

• Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy equipment enables a minimally invasive procedure in which a sample of breast tissue is removed for examination.

• Contrast enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) helps to reduce ambiguity in mammography, particularly in dense breast tissue, which is common in younger women.

“This equipment will make a significant difference to the care of thousands of local women every year during their assessment and investigation of potential breast cancer” Professor Iain Lyburn, Medical Director Cobalt and Consultant Radiologist

Cobalt News – Autumn 2018. P5P4. Cobalt News – Autumn 2018

The total cost of the equipment and software is £338,000

£215,000 has already been pledged leaving £123,000 to raise to achieve our target

How can you help?Please donate, take our £3 October challenge or volunteer to be an ambassador to help raise funds today. Your support is needed. Please use the donation slip on the back page of this newsletter.

Working with


Breast Cancer Diagnosis Breast Cancer - Research

Breast Cancer - Education

There are around 55,000 new breast cancer cases in the UK every year, that’s around 150 every day. Breast cancer survival is improving and has doubled in the last 40 years in the UK. In the 1970s, 4 in 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer survived their disease beyond ten years, now it’s around 8 in 10.

When diagnosed at its earliest stage, most women with breast cancer will survive their disease for five years or more, compared with 3 in 20 women when the disease is diagnosed at a more advanced stage.

A diagnosis of breast cancer is usually made following identification on screening mammograms or the person finding a symptom (usually a lump) and having investigations at a breast centre where clinical examination and imaging tests are done.

Imaging tests usually involve mammograms and ultrasound, which can direct the best position to take a biopsy (small tissue sample), which is viewed under a microscope to look for cancerous cells.

Not all cancers can be seen on mammograms or ultrasound. Over the past few years Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans have been used to screen dense breasts (which obscure cancers on mammograms). MRI can also be used to assess the size of cancer. New techniques are now being used in some specialist centres to diagnose cancers – Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), which uses a low-dose x-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts and Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM), which is mammography with the addition of a special dye (called contrast).

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases. 1 in 8 women and 1 in 870 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

We are becoming increasingly aware that ‘breast cancer’ is made up of a variety of different tumours, which have different rates of spread (aggressiveness). Until about 10 years ago breast cancer was classified by the type of cell, with further treatment based on cancer size and areas of spread into lymph nodes in the arm pit and other organs, for instance the liver. With the development of molecular biology, cancers are now categorised by the genes they carry.

We now realise that not all breast cancers should be treated in a similar way and that treatment can be tailored – so called ‘personalised medicine’. Research is now focused on delivering personalised individual care. A range of imaging tests (mammography, ultrasound, MRI and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) can potentially be used to help make a diagnosis of cancer and, along with detailed analysis of biopsy samples, place a cancer in a specific category. New drugs are being developed and may be monitored by imaging tests to find out if they are working, or not, in particular patients. Research is also looking at various risk factors and lifestyles, which may increase the chance of developing breast cancer.

Sue and Aileen are the Cobalt Cancer Prevention Team, they give free educational

talks to help reduce the fear that still surrounds breast cancer. Women can help reduce their risk by being

breast aware, attending screening appointments, eating sensibly, keeping a healthy body weight, limiting the amount of alcohol they

drink and exercising regularly.

Sue says “It’s important for women of all ages to be breast aware – checking should be a natural part of caring for

your body. If women find breast changes that are not normal for them they should visit their GP because early diagnosis can definitely help to increase the chance of successful treatment.”

Contact [email protected] if you are interested in arranging a Cancer Prevention talk at your place of work or local community group, during October 2018 to March 2019.

Looking backCobalt supporting Breast Cancer

services through the years

1964 The ‘Cobalt Unit Appeal Fund’ was established by Dr Fred Hanna who was responsible for radiotherapy in the county. He remained President of the Charity until 2009.

2006 The Cobalt Imaging Centre with state-of-the-art PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography) scanner, a High Field Open MRI scanner and an Ultra High Field 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner is completed.

2007 Cobalt launches a £1million appeal to develop a dedicated breast clinic for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

1966The Cobalt Unit (it

has since become the ‘Cheltenham Oncology Centre’) at Cheltenham

General Hospital was established. This is run

by the NHS.

2000 A second mobile mammography

screening unit funded by Cobalt goes into service.

2018 Gloucestershire Breast

Cancer Equipment Appeal launched.

1989Cobalt provides accommodation for the Gloucestershire Breast Screening Service at Linton House. The service, run by the NHS, focused on women 50 – 64 and the first mobile screening unit at £60,000 is purchased.

2009 The £4.5million

Thirlestaine Breast Centre is handed over to the

NHS following this hugely successful appeal.

2012The Clear About Breast Cancer in Herefordshire

Appeal, successfully raises £160,000 for digital mammography equipment at

The County Hospital, Hereford.

2018Purchased a £1.1million 3.0 Tesla MRI Scanner for the Cobalt Imaging Centre in

Cheltenham. This scanner has all the latest software to deliver the very best high definition specialist images to support breast cancer services. The new scanner also

features an ‘in bore’ patient experience system, which aims to reduce anxiety and enable patients to select a relaxing environment of their choice before their scan.

1986 Cobalt funds £50,000 a year Cancer Prevention and Early Detection campaign in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, operating from Linton House.


19641966

1986

1989

2000

2006

2007

2009

2012

2018

Ways you can supportCan you help by promoting our work as widely as possible and encouraging more people to support the Gloucestershire Breast Cancer Equipment Appeal? You could organise a coffee morning, or a bake off, share information with your friends, family and colleagues, help to source raffle prizes, sell tickets, represent the Charity at events or through organised press interviews. We need confident, highly motivated ambassadors to join our volunteer team. If you are interested please give us a call or register your interest on the reply slip on the back page of this newsletter.

‘As a survivor of breast cancer I know that early

diagnosis can help to save lives. I have been

raising money for Cobalt for more than ten years

to help support the important work they do.’

Jenny Bailey, Cobalt Volunteer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Join us for our £3 a Day Challenge during October

We’re very excited to let you know that Cobalt has been selected to participate in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2018. This is the UK’s largest charity match funding campaign and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to double any donations up to a maximum of £21,500 through the kind support of The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity. The Big Give Campaign runs for one week from midday Tuesday 27th November – midday Tuesday 4th December,

Every donation given through www.thebiggive.org.uk to Cobalt’s Breast Equipment Campaign - up to £21,500 - will be doubled from match funding making a fantastic total of £43,000 available!!

If you have any questions about the Big Give please contact Helen or Julia on 01242 535922.

The Big Give is back

We are delighted that Chipping Campden School will be holding a ‘Pink Day’ in October when they are planning to invite the students to dress pink, bake and sell cakes, along with other exciting fundraising ideas designed by the students to raise money for our new campaign.

Chipping Campden ‘Pink Day’ 2017.


Can you and your friends raise just £3 for each day of October?

31 days x £3.00 a day = £93

£93 is the cost to pay for the provision of the new mammography equipment for one day. Let us know how you and your friends and family will be raising £3 a day and we will share your progress.

For fun ‘in the pink’ fundraising ideas please check out our website or phone for a fundraising pack - 01242 535920

SAVE THE DATE!27th November to 4th December 2018

Latest NewsLung Cancer Screening

Dementia Awareness Week

Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM) Imaging Centre

We are very pleased to announce that Cobalt has been selected to work with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust to provide the first commissioned Lung Cancer Screening Programme in the UK. Cobalt will deliver low dose CT scanning to identify lung cancers in smokers and ex-smokers between the ages of 55 and 80 years.

Cobalt is partnering with Siemens Healthineers to utilise the very latest CT scanning technology, this will be the first time in the world that a Siemens SOMATON go.Up CT scanner has been installed in a mobile unit. ”This new CT scanner has been designed to support lung cancer screening” said Peter Sharpe, Cobalt CEO, ”each

scan takes only nine seconds and has extremely low radiation dose, equivalent to having a mammogram.” This new service is as a result of a very successful pilot study in which 1 in every 32 CT scans identified a lung cancer, of which 8 in 10 were early stage and curable.

The new service will start early next year in Manchester, but it is expected that due to the success of the pilot study other services will be developed across the UK. The development of this unique CT Lung Screening service requires an investment by Cobalt of just under £1 million and is a continuation of Cobalt’s objective to introduce new technology to support the NHS.

Took place from 21st – 27th May 2018. The goal was to encourage people to take action to improve the lives of those affected by dementia. In this spirit IRESS UK, our charity partner, one of the leading suppliers of innovating technology solutions for financial markets, took on an exciting local project to transform a neglected garden on the Willow Ward at Charlton Lane Hospital, Cheltenham, 2gether

NHS Foundation Trust. IRESS staff donated their time to undertake the project to create a ‘stimulating and soothing space’ for dementia patients and their relatives to enjoy.

The results were superb, with patient’s feedback including ”It’s wonderful” and ”I will enjoy sitting out here with my wife in the evenings”.

But that’s not all, six of the Cheltenham IRESS team then went on to brave the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Cobalt Dementia Futures Fund.

The ITM Imaging Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, has been developed by Cobalt in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the Institute of Translational Medicine to support a wide range of research using the very latest high field MRI technology. The Centre has now been operational for 18 months and supports a number of ground breaking research projects including the diagnosis of head injuries in sports, cardiac disease, assessment of brain tumours and numerous oncology studies. Due

to the demand on the Centre, which also scans clinical patients, it will be operating seven days a week so that more patients can be scanned. The Imaging Centre would not have been established without the very generous support of many donors, in particular The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity. We would like to thank everybody involved in supporting this facility which is making a real impact across many research projects and also supporting clinical patients.


Team IRESS – Three Peaks Challenge 2018


Mountain Climber Philip Pinchin is aiming high for Cobalt

Dave chases another medal for Cobalt

We are delighted to have the support of Dave Burley again who will be running the Cheltenham Half for Cobalt in October. Dave has completed many challenge runs for the Charity (sometimes shared with other charities) and raised thousands of pounds over the years. The picture below shows his impressive medal haul. Dave always runs in his distinctive hat and a big smile on his face!

by climbing Cho Oyu, the 6th highest mountain in the world during September.

16 members of the Hanna family (including grandchildren, great-nephews and nieces) will be running the Royal Parks half marathon in October to raise funds for Cobalt. The 13.1 mile route takes in the capital’s world-famous landmarks and four of London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

Dr Fred Hanna pioneered the provision of radiotherapy treatment services for Gloucestershire during the late 50’s and 60’s at a time when very little NHS resources were available for the huge task ahead to combat cancer. In 1964 he founded the Cobalt Unit

Appeal Fund. His dedication and passion enabled the Fund to continue to provide financial support for major advancements in partnership with the NHS Hospital Authorities as soon as they became available for the immediate benefit of cancer patients.

Challenge EventsUpcoming events Family take on Royal Parks challenge in memory of Cobalt Founder Dr Fred Hanna

Philip Pinchin

Dave’s medal haul

Devils Aquathlon Sunday 7th October 2018 – 08:00This popular yet tough 2km swimming and 10km running challenge is not for the faint-hearted. But if it’s time to raise your game, for more information visit www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk and look for the ‘Events’ page.

Coln Choir Charity Concert in aid of The Royal British Legion and Cobalt ‘The Eleventh Hour’ Friday 2nd November 2018 – 19:30 Cirencester Parish Church, Cirencester, GL7 2AG. For more information and tickets go to www.colnchoir.weebly.com and select upcoming concerts.

Cobalt Open Evening Thursday 22nd November 2018 –18:00Join us for refreshments and to find out more about the work of medical charity, Cobalt, with Chief Executive, Peter Sharpe and Medical Director Professor Iain Lyburn. As places are limited and always popular for these events, please RSVP by the end of October using the back page of this newsletter if you would like to attend.

Stephanie Smith & Philippa Henderson at the

Devil’s Aquathlon 2017

Cobalt at Gloucestershire Business ShowWe were excited to be selected to take part in The Gloucestershire Business Show. This gave us the opportunity to talk about the business benefits of charitable support, from public relations, employee engagement and networking opportunities.

If you would like to find out more about how your business can get involved, please contact the Fundraising Team on 01242 535920

P16. Cobalt News – Autumn 2018

Draw Friday 14th December 12 noon.

Fantastic prizes including gift

hampers, pamper sessions and all

things pink!, £1 per ticket.

Order your tickets using the reply slip

inside the back page. Alternatively

if you would like to help to promote

the raffle, please contact us, details

on the back page. For full terms and

conditions please visit

www.cobalthealth.co.uk

A Touch of Pink Raffle

Thank yousWe have received support from the following Councils, Trusts and Foundations towards our Dementia Futures Fund:• Susanna Peake Charitable Trust• Bishops Cleeve Parish Council• Upleadon Parish Council• Cinderford Town Council• The Edith Lilian Harrison 2000 Foundation• The Ardwick Trust

• Newent Town Council• Mrs M E Sargeant’s Charitable Trust• Town Council of Lydney

We have also received donations to support our work generally from:• Cotswold Tyndale Rotary • Winchcombe & Cheltenham cycling

club from hosting the ‘Hell of the North Cotswolds’ bike ride

• Fairford WI

The Bell Inn, Avening who hold a quiz evening on the first Saturday of the month and often donate the raised funds to us.

Mr Chris Berens and fellow members of the Edge Reeling (Scottish dancing) group who held a dance evening in July in aid of Cobalt.

James Curtis who cycled from London to Paris and back to Portsmouth for Cobalt

Our Open Gardens helped to raise over £10,000 this year.

Thank you to all those who donated in memory of Bette Pickstock including Oak Tree mobility.

Thank yous also go to:• Over a hundred Coin Collectors, who filled

their money boxes and pots and donated £7,650 last year.

• Mr and Mrs Stanhope who have been raising money for Cobalt for over 25 years, encouraged their friends and family to make donations to Cobalt in lieu of special anniversaries and birthday gifts over the years (including their Ruby, Golden and Diamond wedding anniversaries).

Mr and Mrs Stanhope

Mr. Chris Berens delivering a cheque from the Edge Reeling Group

Please make a gift today and helpYes I’d like to help form - page 1

Please detach here

Your Donation

Despite three quarters of people in the UK regularly giving donations to good causes, just 7% of us remember a charity in our will. So for this year’s Remember a Charity in your Will Week which takes place from 10-16 September, Cobalt has joined the national campaign to help promote the importance of charitable bequests.

Cobalt is one of the 200 charities that have come together to launch Human – the world’s first charity-powered search engine. Combining charities’ unique knowledge and expertise, Human enables the public to ask some of life’s biggest questions and to hear directly from charities, supporters and beneficiaries what they are doing in response.

Your details:

Full name:

Address:

Postcode:

Email address:

Telephone number:

If you’re new to Cobalt or have supported us for a while, we would love to continue to keep in touch

with you to tell you about our latest work, appeals, and upcoming events and how you can support

us. Your details are safe with us. We will never share them with anyone else.

Please tick your communication preferences:

Email Yes No Email address

Telephone Yes No Telephone number

Post Yes No Address

I would like my donation to be allocated to the breast cancer equipment fund

or

I would like my donation to be allocated to Cobalt’s general work

I would like to give:

£15 £25 £93 - (October Challenge - funding the new

mammography equipment for 1 day)

My chosen amount £

I enclose a cheque, postal order or CAF cheque (please make payable to Cobalt)

I would like to donate with a debit or credit card online or by phone please visit www.cobalthealth.co.uk or call 01242 535922

I would like to setup a regular direct debit donation please send me details

Rob Cope, Director of Remember A Charity, says: “Every day people use Google to find the answers to their questions, but it’s real people and charities we turn to when we want answers to life’s biggest challenges.

This campaign has been designed to showcase just how vital charities are in responding to many of the world’s biggest problems and how legacies can help combat those issues.”

Despite only 7% of people remembering a charity, gifts in wills still create more than £2 billion each year in Britain. Without this income, many charities would simply not exist and others would have to cut crucial services.

Helen Tomes, Cobalt’s Supporter Relations Officer said “Without people’s generosity we simply wouldn’t be able to carry out the work we do. Remembering Cobalt in your will is a great way to keep supporting a cause close to your heart way into the future. Even just a small percentage of an estate, can help to make a big difference for all those who will need our services in the future.

For all those who have already remembered Cobalt in their Will and for those considering it thank you”

For information about leaving a gift in your Will to Cobalt please contact Helen Tomes, [email protected] phone 01242 535922

P18. Cobalt News – Autumn 2018

Gloucestershire breast cancer equipment ambassador

I am interested in becoming an ambassador for Cobalt, please contact me with further information.

Name

Contact email or telephone number

Cobalt Open Evening

I would like to attend Cobalt’s open evening on Thursday 22nd November, at Linton House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham

Number of tickets required

Name

Please email event confirmation to my email address:

In the Pink Raffle

I enclose a cheque made payable to Cobalt for £ for raffle tickets which cost £1 each, plus 67p postage and packing.

Please note the raffle will be drawn on 14th December 2018, terms and conditions of the raffle can be found at www.cobalthealth.co.uk

Please return this form to: Freepost RTKY-BCAK-LURC Cobalt, Linton House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham GL53 7AS

For further information for how we protect your information please view our privacy policy at www.cobalthealth.co.uk/privacy-policy/. You can change your contact preferences, request a copy of our privacy policy or ask any questions by contacting the fundraising team on 01242 535922 or [email protected]

Registered Charity Number 1090790

Cobalt, Linton House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7AS. Tel 01242 535922www.cobalthealth.co.uk

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autumn 2018 cobalt news · digital mammography equipment at the county hospital, hereford. 2018...

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