Left to right: Grace Shepherd, Judy Skyrme, Peter Whiley, Dr Graham Cox, Ward Sister Jacky Rawlings, Clive Perrin, Charlie Crockett, Keith Whiley.
The Oxford Laryngectomy Club – which provides support and friendship for people who have cancer of the larynx – raised the money through parties, raffles and car boot sales across the county.
Their donation has helped to fund high-tech work stations which will be used by the consultants for diagnosis and investigations of any nasal, throat and oesophageal cancers.
The group came to see the new dedicated space at the Churchill Hospital that will house the Head and Neck Cancer department, and to name a counselling room in honour of their founder, 88 year-old Ken Whiley. Ken, a former squadron leader in the RAF, set up the group 28 years ago.
Although he was not well enough to attend, many of his family and friends came to this event.
Judy Skyrme, 70, from Bicester, explained: "When my late husband Roy was diagnosed we thought he would never speak again. Ken, who set up the group, came to see us at our home and it made such a difference. He was extending the hand of friendship and taking away some of the fear. And that is what the group continues to do to this day."
Mr Graham Cox, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon said: "This is the second busiest head and neck unit in the country and we are very proud of the high success rate we achieve here in Oxford. We see our patients over a very long period of time, as the effects of the surgery live with you forever, and there is a great deal of follow-up care. This means we get to know them very well, so we really do appreciate the efforts the Oxford Larygectomy Club have gone to to raise this fantastic sum of money, which will make such a difference here."
Sarah Vaccari, from the hospital's charity, added: "It was a real delight to meet so many members of the Oxford Laryngectomy Club and Ken Whiley's family. The club has helped so many patients over the years come to terms with this condition. We are thrilled that they have been able to raise so much money for medical equipment which will help many patients for years to come."
Contact: Sarah Vaccari
Contact Details:
sarah.vaccari@orh.nhs.uk|