Too many of us know someone with cancer. Together, we can help. 

We need your help to go further for people affected by cancer here in Surrey and Sussex. You can see how your donations directly make an impact to patients, loved ones and staff. 

The SASH Cancer Fund plays a crucial role in supporting all the cancer services offered at Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. This encompasses vital areas such as:

• East Surrey Macmillan Cancer Support Centre
• Haematology ward based at East Surrey Hospital
• Chemotherapy suite based at East Surrey Hospital
• Crawley Hospital Chemotherapy (Comet Ward)
• Diagnostic imaging based at Crawley Hospital and Horsham Hospital.  

How your donations help...

East Surrey Macmillan Cancer Support Centre

For many people living in East Surrey, and Sussex, treatment will take place at East Surrey Hospital, whether it is surgical, involves radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

Centre users have requested more shade from the sun and a fixed structure to provide year-round protection from the elements, so that they are still able to spend quiet time in the garden throughout the year. Your donations have made this happen and the summerhouse has now been officially opened by Councillor Eddy Humphreys, Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead.

Centre user Gill says:

“The Summerhouse is an all weather peaceful sanctuary, a restorative oasis surrounded by the garden away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital for therapy, relaxation classes or just a private chat. For many people, their skin can be very sensitive to burning from the sun during radiotherapy, so a covered area/summerhouse surrounded by the beautiful garden here where you can go for a private chat or therapy is a great asset to recovery”

You can read all about the grand opening here. 

Thank you to everyone for making this happen, we couldn't do it without you. This will benefit patients and their loved ones for many years to come. 

Haematology ward

A kind-hearted patient noticed something that touched not just their own experience, but the well-being of all those around them. It was a simple observation that spoke volumes about their selflessness and generosity for fellow patients. It became apparent that the television, a source of comfort and clinical escapism for many on the ward, was no longer fit for purpose. Rather than just accept this, the thoughtful individual took it upon themselves to make a donation to help Godstone ward acquire a new television. The impact on daily lives of those on the ward will mean patients will be able to have a form of distraction during their journey of recovery. 

Next - with your help we want to help refurbish the Godstone Haematology Ward quiet room - a place of calm for family members of people in the ward. The room is sometimes used for letting people know important news about their loved ones health. With your help we will install new wall coverings and comfortable furniture - so the room is a comfortable, calming space for people at a very difficult time.   

The chemotherapy suite

Your donations to the SASH Charity Cancer Fund have enabled the chemotherpy team at East Surrey Hospital to refurbush the hospital's chemotherapy suite, to transform the environment, and make it more inviting, comfortable and safe for patients. This means, you have made it possible to purchase ten comfortable new chemotherapy chairs, and beautiful wall coverings throughout. 

Claire-Marie Williams, chemotherapy manager, says:

“The feedback from our patients coming for treatment has been overwhelmingly positive. They feel the unit is warm and inviting now, generating a sense of calm and welcoming. To hear our patients talk about how lovely the new unit is, and to see the smiles on their faces, is just wonderful for us as a team. We are extremely grateful to all who donated to SASH Charity.”

Crawley Chemotherapy

We are currently raising funds for another additional chemotherapy chair - this time for Crawley Chemotherapy Unit (Comet Ward). This reclining chair is adjustable, and extra comfortable/supportive for people going through chemotherapy. We want to enhance the experience for people receiving cancer treatment, who often need to spend many hours in the ward. Your donations will directly help improve this for people with cancer.  

Thank you! 

Donations to the Cancer Fund are designated for use for cancer services, and people affected by Cancer in the SASH area. Donations not used for cancer services would be used to support other charitable activities for patients and staff across SASH NHS Trust. 

Watch this space to see real time updates on how your donations are helping us go further for those with cancer. If you would like to come and see how your donation is making a difference to your community, please email: [email protected] to arrange a visit.