The lung cancer nursing team from University Hospitals Tees recently launched support groups across Middlesbrough and Northallerton to give people with a lung cancer diagnosis, a safe space to connect with others.
This was all made possible after the specialist lung cancer nursing team organised a spectacular summer charity ball which saw them raise over £10,000.
Lung cancer charity ball
The ball which was held at Gisborough Hall Hotel included welcome drinks, a three-course meal, entertainment and a charity auction with donations from lots of local businesses, patients, public and staff working across University Hospitals Tees.
Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialist, Jessica Ainsley said: “We attended a charity event as a team and felt inspired to try and recreate an event of our own.
“We wanted to raise much needed funds to support our patients and their families as they face a lung cancer diagnosis.”
One of those who attended the event was Susan Martin who was treated with radiotherapy at James Cook in November 2024.
She said: “After my lung cancer diagnosis, I felt and still do feel very supported by the whole team.
“The ball was a great opportunity to thank them and raise money so they can support more sufferers in our area.
“It was an amazing night so well organised, and all their hard work really paid off, a lot of money was raised, and we all had a brilliant night.”
The money raised was split evenly between Macmillan Cancer Support and Our Hospitals Charity; the fundraising arm of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Lungs and life
The money donated to Our Hospitals Charity helped to fund the ‘lungs and life’ support group for patients being treated or diagnosed at James Cook and the Friarage.
Jessica Ainsley said: “I initially set up a patient expert panel to gain valuable insight into the patient journey and how we can shape our service to meet those needs.
“As a team we aware that lung cancer patients experience a great deal of suffering, that is both physical and psychological and wanted to know from our patients what more we can do to support their journey.
“We were keen to create a support group for our patients and their families and thanks to the generous donations raised at the ball and the support from Our Hospitals Charity, we were able to launch ‘lungs and life’ in September.
“The groups provide a safe space for people to connect with others who have a similar diagnosis, be supported by the lung cancer nursing team, and be educated by guest speakers on a range of relevant topics including legal issues, lung cancer education and accessing Macmillan support.”
Support network
Lisa Meehan, fundraising manager for Our Hospitals Charity said: “We are grateful to Jessica and the wider lung cancer nursing team for their outstanding commitment and dedication to ensure their patients and loved ones are supported at all stages of their lung cancer journey.
From the money raised from the ball, we have been able to support them with the launch of the ‘lungs and life’ support groups which allows people affected by lung cancer to come together to share their stories and experiences and to receive specialist support and advice.”
The money allocated to Macmillan Cancer Support will help the team continue to provide emotional, financial and physical support to cancer patients, their families and Macmillan professionals from initial diagnosis, including weekly support sessions, kindness calls and being at the end of the phone.
Jessica added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the wonderful local businesses who gave up their time to show their support for our first lung cancer charity ball, including Craftaloon Event Hire, Steel River Band, Paul Innes Magic Man, Louise Pettit, With Love Entwined, Everyone Active, Saltmoore, Rudding Park, Middlesbrough Football Club, Hunley Hall Golf Club and Market Cross Jewellers.
Some of them have been affected by a lung cancer diagnosis themselves, including Phil from the Steel River Band who lost his own dad to lung cancer at the age of 55 and was keen to make the event a success.
“We are delighted to have raised so many donations and hope to host another event next year to ensure we can continue to support our lung cancer patients and their families.”