Specialist cancer equipment paid for through donations

A specially-designed chair for patients going through skin cancer treatment is now in place at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after a cycling challenge by a member of staff.

Abigael Polley, Lead Therapy Radiographer, tried to cycle 1,870 miles during 2019 and 2020 to raise the £4,353 required to buy the chair for the radiotherapy department.

Despite the pandemic and lockdown, Abigael has managed to complete almost 900 miles this year and raise nearly £3,700 in donations, mostly from current and past patients.

Abigael said: “Some cancer patients need personalised masks made for their skin cancer treatment and due to mobility and breathing difficulties, this chair is more appropriate for their needs than the current flat couch.

“I had a number of massive donations - both from friends and skin cancer patients and their families who wanted to do something for the NNUH Radiotherapy department.

“I am astounded and humbled by their generosity and faith. 2019 saw me cycling 870-miles with the main aim of covering 450-miles over eight rides in eight months. I averaged 56-miles per ride and raised an amazing £2,700 so I decided to continue in 2020 to try and raise the difference.

“It’s fantastic to finally have the chair in place and already makes a huge difference to our patients.”

Head of Radiotherapy, Mark Gilham, said: “I am immensely proud of my colleague and everyone who has supported her. She saw there was a way to enhance the care of our patients and she actively went out to make this happen.”