Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre (BHOC), Bristol's cancer hospital has been transformed thanks to the success of a £1.6m appeal launched by local charity Above & Beyond. The hospital opened in 1971, and as demand for its services has grown, was in need of modernisation. The charity's CaRE (Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy Environmen) Appeal was launched in September 2009.
"We set out to raise the funds needed to radically re-design and reburbish many areas in the hospital to create a modern, caring environment for the 1,000 patients, visitors and staff who walk through its' doors every day" explains Director of Fundraising & Marketing at Above & Beyond Andrew Monk. He adds:
"What united all of us in this major fundraising challenge was our determination to make sure that the hospital surroundings offered a caring environment which did justice to the care provided by dedicated healthcare staff."
More than a thousand former BHOC patients - including Stephy Morgan - helped the charity to reach our £1.6m target by February 2011 and in March a Public Open Day gave some 300 people in the local area the chance to see what a difference has been made. Stephy explains:
"I found myself at the Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre after being diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in November 2005. I owe the hospital my life, and so wanted to get involved in supporting the CaRE Appeal.
"Patients need somewhere that matches the sunshine and optimism of staff. The difference is amazing - I'm proud to have been part of making it happen."
Former BHOC patient and CaRE Appeal Fundraiser, Stephy Morgan.
