Each Christmas, Weston Park Cancer Charity’s Star Appeal, sponsored by Napoleons invites people to give a gift to help us enhance patient care, support patients and families, and to fund life-saving research.
Often those who give have visited us as a patient or relative, they do it to mark the memory of someone lost or because they know from experience how vital our work is. One in two of us will develop cancer in our lifetime – today the need for the cancer centre and our work, as the charity that supports the centre and patients, is greater than ever.
“Our Star Appeal at Christmas is a great way of giving to a good cause or remembering a loved one, or the work we did to help someone survive and get through cancer,” says Sam Dixon, Weston Park Cancer Charity’s chief executive. “We’re always thrilled to see how kind local people are in looking after us at Christmas – it genuinely changes everything for us and our patients when people are generous.”
And this year, as Weston Park celebrates its 50th year, Weston Park Cancer Charity is planning a busy year. “We’ve got an ambitious strategy in place”, continues Sam. “Amongst other things, we want to reach an additional 47,000 patients in the next five years. The Star Appeal at Christmas is an essential element of our fundraising year.
The work we do, depends on the generosity of people and the businesses across the region – so we’re extremely thankful for the continued support of Napoleons. Thanks to their generosity we hope to reach even more people than ever before.”
Dave Allen, the Chairman of The A&S Leisure Group & proud Weston Park Cancer Charity patron, commented: “Napoleons Casinos & Restaurants are pleased to continue our support to Weston Park Cancer Charity this year and we are overwhelmed that for a fourth year running we will be supporting the Christmas Star Appeal.
“Within our businesses we employ over 350 staff in the Sheffield area, and we know that at some point, unfortunately they or a member of their families or friends may need the care and support of Weston Park Hospital and their dedicated staff. It is our belief that we should help and reach out to a charity that has always been one of our favoured causes. It is always there for our local community, so we should be there for them.”
Opened in 1970, Weston Park is one of just four specialist hospitals in the UK, and leads the way globally in the research and treatment of some cancers. In 2020, Weston Park Cancer Charity is hoping to mark the milestone anniversary with a bumper fundraising year.
“We’re delighted to have been selected by the Master Cutler as this year’s Master Cutler’s Challenge beneficiary too”, says Sam. “It will add a real boost to the £2million we have to raise each year to continue delivering our services and support. And the better we do, the bigger the difference we can make to more people living with and beyond cancer.”
Anyone who wants to give to Weston Park Cancer Charity can do so at westonpark.org.uk and will receive a star to hang on their Christmas tree. Go to www.westonpark.org.uk for more information.
