Supporter Update
Autumn/Winter 2023
Remembering William Baxter CBE 1960-2023
Hello and a warm welcome As we reflect on all that has been achieved at Scannappeal this year, it is with a heavy heart, as we are also deeply saddened at the loss of our Chairman, William Baxter. William’s zest for life, ability to put everyone at ease and passion for fundraising for Scannappeal was infectious. Without his vision, passion, energy and leadership, Scannappeal wouldn’t be in the strong position it is today. As anyone who was lucky enough to know him would agree, William was a positive influence for change. He was the nicest, kindest, warmest person you could have met, and it was an absolute privilege to have him as our leader, but most importantly our friend. We shall all miss him dearly. The team will honour him by continuing our work to make Scannappeal the organisation he was so passionate and proud of.
Hello and welcome
We all know that William would be wanting us to push on and continue to make a difference to our local hospitals. With that in mind I am delighted that we are launching a new project, the Lung Cancer Biopsy Appeal which you can read further detail on page 4. You can also read up on the progress of the Spinal Surgery Appeal and the small projects that have been funded through our Best for Bucks Appeal. Thank you for your continued support. With very best wishes to you and your families for the festive season. Lisa Trivett, Scannappeal Director
Festive Raffle
For as little as £1 you can enter our Festive Raffle for the chance to win one of our top prizes, including a £500 Tesco shopping voucher. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 15 December, giving the lucky winner time to shop for Christmas! Books of ten tickets are available by calling the office on 01494 734161 or purchase online by visiting www.scannappeal.org.uk.
Our thanks to Tesco Amersham Superstore who are generous sponsors of the raffle.
Get in touch - We are always happy to hear from you scannappeal.org.uk
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01494 734161
bht.info.scannappeal@nhs.net
Scannappeal office, Amersham hospital, Whielden Street, Amersham, HP7 0JD
Follow us @Scannappeal /Scannappeal
William Baxter CBE 1960-2023 Scannappeal is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of our dear friend, supporter and Chairman, William Baxter CBE on 16 October 2023. Scannappeal will remember him not just as our Chairman but as our friend. He was always driving us to innovate and fundraise in new ways. Pushing us to be our best, and do our best. But most of all, encouraging us and supporting us in all that we did. William was a very well respected and dedicated Chairman who will be greatly missed by all his colleagues who shared his passion for the work of the charity. Everyone loved working with him on so many projects over his long and distinguished leadership of the charity. William first joined Scannappeal as a Trustee over 20 years ago and with his wealth of experience, led the charity over the past 12 years as Chairman. Under his guidance we have been able to make a lasting impact on Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and the local hospitals in the county he loved so much and lived in for nearly 30 years. In the last five years alone, William has pushed the fundraising agenda for the charity to achieve more than ever before. He encouraged us to launch our first ever ambitious £1m+ appeals, because he believed not just in us, but the generosity of the community we fundraise in. During William’s Chairmanship we raised over £11m for state of the art medical equipment for the three NHS hospitals in Buckinghamshire, as well as community sites across the county. The equipment purchased in that time reaches so many departments, from the breast unit, to dermatology, from audiology to ophthalmology and from brain injury to cancer care. The cardiology department, an area that William was very passionate about, has received over £1.7m of equipment in his Chairmanship, including a full cath lab, a CT scanner, cardiac ultrasound equipment and the latest technology 3D scanners. We have also fully equipped a breast biopsy suite, funded two state of the art MRI scanners and the county’s first surgical robot. Alongside his leadership of the charity, William was also a very generous supporter, going above and beyond in all that he did for us. We have received so many messages of condolences, encouraging conversations and moments of laughter. His own fundraising achievements are far reaching: the three peaks challenge; cycling London to Amsterdam; the Scannappeal Hospital Hike; private dinners; golf days; pop up restaurants and always a firm favourite, the opening of his beautiful family garden, Pipers. William leaves a remarkable legacy and a significant impact on our local hospitals. We will be forever grateful for his dedication and support. On behalf of Scannappeal, we extend our sincere condolences to William’s beloved family at this incredibly sad time. “I have been lucky enough to know Bill through business and friendship, and in 2014 he asked me to join Scannappeal as a Trustee where I was again able to witness William at work. His dedication, enthusiasm and drive were always evident along with his strong leadership skills. However, it was his warmth and ready smile that endeared along with his energy for life. I feel privileged to have known and worked for him and I will personally miss him.” Keith Wilson, Chair Designate, Scannappeal
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Launch of our new appeal
The new appeal will introduce the innovative use of Peripheral Navigational Bronchoscopy to Stoke Mandeville hospital. Navigational bronchoscopy is performed using the latest, advanced technology which works like a GPS system. A three-dimensional roadmap of the lungs is created which allows clinicians to reach much deeper into the lungs. There are a number of reasons why a doctor may order a bronchoscopy, from a chronic cough, to symptoms indicating lung disease, to abnormal X-ray findings. A bronchoscopy allows the clinician to look inside your airway through a video camera, examine the lungs for abnormalities, and obtain tissue samples to help with diagnosis and treatment. The state of the art peripheral navigation bronchoscope uses advanced technology to perform the procedure with less complications and greater precision. Clinicians can access the most distant regions of the lungs to detect and biopsy even the smallest lesions. Currently suspected cancers are difficult to biopsy and patients may be referred to hospitals outside of Bucks for a biopsy, which could lead to a delay in diagnosis.
Advantages of navigational bronchoscopy include: Increased detection and improved access: Access to the most distant areas of the lung, meaning the clinician can detect and biopsy even the smallest lesions. Earlier diagnosis: Local and earlier diagnosis of lung tumours can lead to better outcomes. Better treatment decisions: The clinician is able to identify the specific stage of a tumour to create a specialised treatment plan. Reduces risk of complications: The potential risk of a collapsed lung is reduced compared to traditional bronchoscopy or needle biopsies. Eliminates need for invasive surgery: Navigational bronchoscopy reduces need for an invasive needle or surgical biopsy which can cause complications and discomfort.
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“We are delighted to have the support of Scannappeal in helping to raise the funds to purchase a Peripheral Navigational Bronchoscope. Introducing this service to patients in Buckinghamshire will be a real step change in how we are able to manage patients with suspected lung cancer. We will be able to keep patients closer to home, provide a quicker and more informed diagnosis with less invasive procedures. We are very excited to work alongside Scannappeal to achieve the fundraising target”. Dr. Anjani Prasad, Lung Cancer Lead and Consultant Respiratory Physician
First milestone reached The first £237,000 has been raised to fund a spinal navigation and robotics platform, with endoscopic surgery capability for Wycombe hospital. Launched in April 2023 the £1.1 million Spinal Appeal will establish Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust as a regional centre for endoscopic spine surgery in the UK.
£237,000 raised so far £1,100,000 target
This exciting next step in robotic technology will support our local hospitals in further developing robotic surgery across multiple specialities to treat Buckinghamshire patients. More people will benefit from the advantages of robotic surgery, which brings faster recovery times and a quicker return home for those undergoing surgery.
Spinal Q&A with Mr Edward Seel, Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon who shares with us why the introduction of robotic spinal surgery is vital for patients and staff in Bucks.
Q1. Who will benefit from this equipment? We are most likely to see patients with a range of issues including sciatica, slipped discs back pain and progressive disc disease due to age and health conditions. Symptoms vary but commonly include severe back or neck pain, numbness or tingling in arms or legs, muscle weakness, and difficulty walking. Q2. Why do we need this equipment? Funding of this equipment will give patients in Bucks access to the latest and most advanced spinal surgical healthcare available today. Q3. How will NHS patients benefit? This new platform will springboard our local Buckinghamshire NHS hospitals to another level, making us one of only four hospital sites in the UK to have equipment of this calibre. Q4. Will you be able to operate on more patients? Yes, due to the reduced time in theatre our surgeons will be able to gradually increase their workload. We also know that having this type of technology in our hospitals will help with the future recruitment of spinal surgeons which will ultimately lead to more patients being treated. Q5. How is this surgery different to what happens in the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville? The internationally renowned spinal injuries rehabilitation centre at Stoke Mandeville treats patients with short and long-term spinal cord injuries. Our work is with patients without cord injury who will benefit from corrective surgery to treat a wide range of conditions including slipped discs, sciatica and general wear and tear of the spine. Patients are often in excruciating pain and the relief after surgery can be life changing. Q6. How would you sum up the specialist equipment in one sentence? Revolutionary for patients with spinal conditions in Buckinghamshire hospitals.
Offering robotic spinal surgery at Wycombe hospital will bring significant benefits Reduced time in theatre. Less scaring due to small incisions. Increased surgical capacity. Quicker return to everyday activities. Treatment of choice for both surgeons and patients. Retention of highly skilled surgeons. Transform treatment for patients.
Donate today
With your support we can transform spinal care for local patients www.scannappeal.org.uk
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Best for Bucks Appeal update Best for Bucks Appeal Skin lesion evaluation
Donations to our Best for Bucks Appeal are vital at enabling us to prepare for future equipment needs within our local NHS hospitals. We are delighted that we have been able to fund equipment to benefit the dermatology department, the maternity unit and the two mobile breast screening units.
We have just recently funded a DermLite Foto II Pro for £5,300 for the dermatology department at Amersham hospital. The lens is used to capture high quality dermoscopic images for the assessment, triage, diagnosis and monitoring of skin lesions, particularly those that are potentially cancerous. The equipment will help clinicians make a definitive diagnosis, benefitting over 8,000 patients each year.
Baby monitoring A wireless transducer for the maternity department at Stoke Mandeville hospital has just been purchased for £19,000. The transducer allows for continuous monitoring of the foetal heart rate and contractions while allowing the widest choice of birthing positions to assist with labour and delivery. It also offers the ability to monitor two foetal heart rates making it twin compatible. As the transducer is wireless it gives mum total freedom with a range of up to 110 metres. This can all lead to an increase in satisfaction for the mum, leading to a more positive birth experience.
Breast screening chairs The counties two mobile breast screening units have each just received a mammography positioning chair, to provide a better service to patients. The positioning chair allows patients to sit down for their mammogram, making it more comfortable and safer for those that are unsteady on their feet or nervous about the procedure. Wheelchairs can be difficult to manoeuvre in the confined space of the mobile unit which makes it difficult to position to achieve a good mammogram. Patients who can move across from their wheelchair to the new mammography chair will achieve a better mammogram and prove to be a less stressful experience Our very grateful thanks to Heart of Bucks and the Kop Hill Climb Fund who awarded us a grant of £3,260 towards the purchase of the chairs.
Current projects
Help us to complete two small projects to help in the fight against cancer
Breast Appeal - £55,000 Contrast Enhanced Mammography is an innovative technique for imaging the breast. Contrast agent is injected into the arm which highlights the tumour in white making abnormalities stand out more on the mammogram. This means that very small cancers that are otherwise not visible in standard mammograms can be detected. Renal Tumour Ablation - £25,000 Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of solid tumours. It is a curative procedure that removes tumours using extreme cold temperature by liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide. It is an alternative treatment to open laparoscopic or robotic surgery and is useful for patients with small tumours.
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DONATE TODAY to the Best for Bucks Appeal and support these projects scannappeal.org.uk
Legacies The gift of good health As medical technology continues to advance, gifts in wills have helped us to ensure patients attending Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS hospitals have access to the very best equipment available. Legacies allow us to look to the future and enable us to quickly provide funds for the next important piece of revolutionary equipment to improve diagnosis and treatment for more patients. In the last few years gifts in wills from our supporters have helped us: Fund the installation of a new catheterisation lab at Wycombe hospital, including a fully integrated system to provide real time cardiac imaging.
Complete the funding of a surgical robot to provide the latest innovation in surgery for cancer patients. Create our third charity book shop at Stoke Mandeville hospital, helping to increase annual income to more than £35,000 per year.
Patients at Amersham, Stoke Mandeville and Wycombe hospitals have all benefited from the generosity of legacy gifts left to Scannappeal. Future gifts will support our vision of continuing to fund advanced medical equipment for our community. Scannappeal legacy promise A gift in your will to Scannappeal is a life changing gift. We understand the importance of your decision, and we make the following promises to you when you consider a gift to us in your will:
We understand and encourage you to put your loved ones first. We will encourage you to take your time and to discuss your wishes with those closest to you. We will answer any questions you have honestly and quickly. If you would like to support a particular hospital, we will do our best to fulfil that wish. We promise to use your gift wisely and effectively, in accordance with your wishes. We promise we will always respect your privacy. You do not have to tell us your decision or share details of your estate, and we understand that sometimes things change. If you would like to be kept updated about our work, we will do that in the way that suits you best. We will always treat your executors, next of kin, and loved ones with respect, kindness, and sensitivity.
Lennons Solicitors shares with us why a will should never be a ‘set and forget’ exercise A will should be reviewed every three to five years as a rule of thumb, unless circumstances require earlier action. Individuals who made a will ten or more years ago, have likely to have changed circumstances and their old will is no longer appropriate. For example, tax positions change when you have children, marry or enter into a civil partnership and any of these will have consequences on your estate planning. Therefore, your current will should reflect these changes. What may work for a married or civil couple with property and children, may not for a single person renting with close nieces and nephews. By structuring your will in specific ways, you can use tax exemptions to minimise any Inheritance Tax due. We can help clients with this. Scannappeal is Lennons Solicitors’ charity of the year 2023-24 www. lennonssolicitors.co.uk
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Fundraising family By special invitation
Hughenden concert
In May we were delighted to host a private garden opening and afternoon tea at Chequers, the country home of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The event, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the NHS, had a quintessential nod to an English summer which included afternoon tea served on the lawn. Brimming with history, guests discovered trees planted by Prime Ministers and visiting dignitaries, including Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, and the late HM Queen Elizabeth II. Our thanks to the Chequers team for their outstanding hospitality.
Thanks to Ruth Smith’s musical friends, who organised a concert at Hughenden Church in aid of Scannappeal. Guests were treated to a mixture of music to suit all tastes and ages, perfectly performed by the Wycombe Orpheus Male Voice Choir and Charity of the year the Wycombe Concert Band. Everyone enjoyed wine and cake We are delighted that Chairman of Buckinghamshire in the interval, and over £2,200 County Council, Patricia Birchley, has selected was raised. Scannappeal as one of the charities she will be fundraising for during her year in office. We look forward to events including a private film screening in the New Year at Pinewood Studios. Tom Cruise helping raise £££’s
Every penny counts
Thank you to everyone who dropped some money into our collection buckets at Morrisons High Wycombe or Tesco Amersham during October. We raised over £600, and will be out again at Asda High Wycombe on Friday 24 November. Golfing success
In May we held an Outdoor Cinema event at Wycombe Air Park, with over 300 guests snuggling down under blankets to watch Top Gun Maverick. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting with the airport hangers and planes as the backdrop. Thank you to headline sponsors Stage Fifty, as well as Elite Events, Wycombe Air Park, Air Adventures Café, Myriad Security, MP Printers and Helpful Hirings. We will be returning to the Air Park in 2024 so watch this space. Marsworth Steam & Classic Vehicle Rally Thanks to the rally committee and visitors we have received a wonderful donation of £500 following this year’s biggest ever rally with over 20 full size steam engines taking part as well as 100's of vintage vehicles.
A combination of glorious weather, picture-perfect golf courses, and wonderful generosity, has resulted in happy golfers and over £21,000 being raised this year. In June, teams took part in our annual golf day at Moor Park, and in September, a brand new golf day was introduced at Winter Hill Golf Club. Our thanks go to staff at both golf clubs as well as our sponsors, Academia, Golf Breaks, Pluma, Nyle & York, Rebellion Brewery, and William Grant & Sons.
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Thank you - we couldn't do it without you! Ambers fashion shows To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ambers of Amersham invited guests to join them at their Autumn/Winter fashion shows. Guests enjoyed a superb show with scenes curated to reflect different styles available in the boutique, from daytime casual wear to red carpet glamour. The generosity of guests on the day helped to raise over £5,000 which will be allocated to our current project in aid of the Bucks Breast Unit at Wycombe hospital. Our sincere thanks to Alistair Cameron, proprietor of Ambers, along with Manager, Mark Webb, and their wonderful team for choosing to support Scannappeal.
Hello and welcome
Amersham House quiz
Thanks to Lina and the team at Amersham House who warmly invited us into their restaurant in July for a quiz night. Quiz master David tested the teams with their general knowledge, whilst the restaurant team delivered delicious serving platters to the tables. We are delighted to be returning in November with a festive themed edition of the quiz. We hope to see you there. Local author supports Scannappeal Dr Amanda Brown, author of the Sunday Times Bestselling book series, The Prison Doctor, recently shared her unique experience of swopping her Bucks consulting rooms for prison medical blocks. Amanda took questions from local Councillor Mimi Harker OBE, as well as from the audience and took time to sign personal copies of her books helping to raise over £1,200. Wycombe Choral Society
Wonderfully supporting our fundraising since 2014, our thanks to the choir who’s retiring collections at events have raised over £2,000 in aid of Scannappeal.
Rotary of Beaconsfield
20 years of support Huge thanks to all at St Joseph’s Furniture Market for supporting Scannappeal with regular donations from their proceeds since 2003. The market runs every Saturday in Chalfont St Peter with all proceeds being distributed to local charities. Chesham Masonic Bowling Association Thank you to Chesham Masonic Bowling Association, for their support this year. Lisa Trivett, Scannappeal Director, attended their annual lunch and gratefully received a cheque for £500. Blooming marvellous Our 2023 open garden programme saw eight homes open their garden gates and raiseSupermarket a magnificent £16,842. success Thank you to everyone who visited, bought plants and raffle tickets, and enjoyed a slice or two of homemade cake.
Our sincere thanks go to the garden owners of Angling Springs, Dundridge Manor, Lords Wood, Magnolia House, Pipers, Red Kites, The Chilterns and Tythrop Park. Thanks also goes to our plant enthusiasts who provided many wonderful plants and to our amazing bakers who supplied mouth-watering homemade cakes.
Our sincere thanks to Beaconsfield Rotary Club who hosted a cheese and wine evening at Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, raising £1,500 towards our current Spinal Surgery Appeal. We extend our thanks to the many people who attended, including the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Jackson Ng and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Paul Mason. If you are a member of a local Rotary Club and would like to find out more about Scannappeal and how your fundraising could support our work, please call us on 01494 734161.
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Scannappeal Shine Week Scannappeal Shine Week Monday 4 March – Sunday 10 March 2024
SHINE
week
Next year we are launching our first ever Scannappeal Shine Week on Monday 4 March 2024. Scannappeal Shine Week will become an annual event, a chance to celebrate all those that help make Scannappeal Shine across Buckinghamshire. This dedicated week will also see us fundraising and raising awareness of the vital work we do.
Community is at the heart of Scannappeal. From inception, when a community group was set up to raise funds to provide the first CT scanner, through to today, when the generosity of the community helps us to fund the very latest medical equipment to benefit local patients. Throughout Scannappeal Shine Week we will be shining a spotlight on our community champions and sharing inspirational stories of volunteers, fundraisers, community groups and medical professionals who help to make a very special difference.
Nominate today Are you, or do you know someone, that goes above and beyond for Scannappeal? This can be an individual fundraiser that has taken on a challenge or held an event or a local group that is active in awareness raising and supporting our work. Do you know a volunteer that has been baking cakes, collecting coins, selling books, or supporting our events? Alternatively you can nominate an individual, or collective that has gone the extra mile in their support of Scannappeal and deserves to be recognised in our highest accolade category for brightest star of the year award. We are looking for your nominations of shining stars that deserve to be recognised for their contribution to Scannappeal. Our shortlisted nominations and winners will be revealed at a special ceremony at the end of March. Please send your nominations to us by providing the name, category and why they deserve to be a Shining Star by email to bht.info.scannappeal@nhs.net or by calling 01494 734161.
Star Shining ies categor
Volunteer Fundraiser Community group Business School Healthcare professional Brightest Star
How you can get involved Please pledge your support today and help us on our mission to provide life changing medical equipment for Buckinghamshire hospitals. Get in t We have a lot to achieve with our current and future equipment ouch with our commitments and need your help to make it happen. fundraisin g team for help, Host an event: organise a coffee morning or musical extravaganza, guidance or in spiration a car boot sale or quiz night. The more people you can involve the on how you can make merrier. your fund ra ising Get sporty: hold a cricket match, golf day or football tournament shine bri g ht. in aid of Scannappeal. Take on a challenge: set up a step challenge at work or amongst 10 friends or take part in an organised event such as our Hadrian’s Wall event.
Christmas is coming Festive dates for your diary. Amersham House Festive Quiz | Thursday 16 November Join us for our festive themed quiz in Old Amersham. Tables of 6 or 8 are welcome for this fun and relaxed evening, which includes a tasty sharing platter to fuel your brain power. Christmas Concert | Thursday 7 December
Give the gift of time As a charity we rely on the amazing support of our volunteers, who give their time so generously. They are a vital part of everything we do, and especially so during December. Could you offer a few hours this festive period to help with collections or events? We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who enjoys gift wrapping. For more information call the team on 01494 734161.
Marlow Santa Fun Run Gather family and friends together for some festive fundraising by registering to take part in this year’s Marlow Santa Fun Run. The event takes place on Sunday 3rd December and is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Marlow. It is open to runners and walkers of any age and speed! Registration is very easy and you can choose to raise funds for Scannappeal. To register visit: www.santasfunrun.org and then drop us a message so we can help you with your fundraising.
Our much loved annual concert returns to St Mary’s Church in Old Amersham with the usual selection of seasonal music and festive readings. Tickets are always in high demand for this event and so we recommend you book soon. Festive Afternoon Tea | Thursday 14 December Join us at Ballinger War Memorial Hall for a relaxing and tasty Christmas themed afternoon tea. You will also find a selection of Scannappeal stalls selling Christmas cards and gifts. Gift Wrapping | from Saturday 16 December Our popular gift wrapping service will pop up once again at the Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe. You shop and we will wrap so that gifts are tree ready, leaving you one less thing to do this Christmas. NEW YEAR Sunday Screen | Sunday 21 January Join us in Beaconsfield for a private film screening of The Great Escaper. Starring Sir Michael Cain and the late Glenda Jackson, this heart warming film is based on the true story of former Royal Navy veteran, Lieutenant Bernard Jordan. For further details on all our upcoming events visit www.scanannappeal.org.uk/events Christmas cards Each time someone sends or receives a Scannappeal Christmas card it helps make a difference to the lives of local people. With a variety of cards to choose from, traditional and modern, and with prices ranging from £3.50 to £4.00, we are sure there will be a card to suit you. Cards can be ordered by visiting www.scannappeal.org.uk/online-shop or calling 01494 734161. Alternatively, our sales outlets in hospitals include: Amersham hospital - Scannappeal office and bookshop. Wycombe hospital - Breast unit and X-ray department. Stoke Mandeville hospital - X-ray department and Scannappeal bookshop.
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HADRIANS WALL CHALLENGE 26 MILES | SATURDAY 6 JULY 2024 JOIN THE TEAM
Join the Scannappeal team on this exciting one-day marathon distance challenge of 26 miles which will have you trekking along this stunning world-famous historic landscape. £65 registration fee with a minimum fundraising target of £755 Includes one night’s accommodation, breakfast, packed lunch and engraved medal For more information visit: www.scannappeal.org.uk/events