Scanner appeal gets off to a good start

Tameside Hospital’s campaign to raise £1m to buy a new CT Scanner is off to a flying start.

The new campaign was officially launched last Wednesday - coinciding with the ‘New Beginning’ launch for our very own media business - Quest Media Network.

Staged at Portland Basin in Ashton it proved a wonderful opportunity to spread the word about the campaign and show off the first Tameside Hospital Scanner Appeal badges.

Boxes of the badges are available now to all interested outlets, pubs, shops, stores, garages - anywhere happy to sell them for a small suggested donation of £2 to help raise funds for the vital scanner.

Among those attending on the night was Cllr Denise Ward.

Once she found out about the scanner appeal she and her neighbours decided to pledge the proceeds of their annual fundraiser to the appeal.

Co-incidentally, Denise’s 80-year-old mum had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer after her GP referred her to Tameside Hospital.  

Luckily, a CT scan picked up the disease in its early stages and her doctors say she’s well on the road to recovery. 

Denise, who represents Denton North East Ward, and was the Civic Mayor of Tameside last year, explained: “My mum, Mary Pat Murray had a cough and went to see her GP who sent her straight away to the hospital. 

“Without the scan we wouldn’t have known it was cancer until maybe it could have been too late. It shows how important the need for a new machine is. 

“When I told my good friends in Broomfield about the appeal they all agreed the £150 proceeds from our barbecue should go towards it. 

“I’ve given mum one of the jigsaw badges and she’s wearing it - and wants others to also show their support.”

Tameside Hospital Chief Executive Karen James says Mary’s story shows just how important early detection can be. 

“Medical imaging plays a vital role in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of patients across our hospital,” she said.

“Through this appeal we aim to significantly improve the experience for local people who have a wide range of conditions. 

“We know a CT scan can be the difference between prompt treatment and unnecessary delay; we already have a scanner, which is in constant use, and need a second modern and up-to-date machine to cope with the growing health needs of the people of Tameside and Glossop. 

“I am grateful to the Broomfield residents for becoming the first to support our appeal, and start the ball rolling.”

If you can help raise money for the hospital scanner appeal contact Angela Wild, who is managing the scanner appeal, on angywild@yahoo.co.uk.