NGH receive £16,042.97 donation from Barclaycard fraud team

Phil Vickers and the Barclaycard fraud team with consultant clinical oncologist, Craig Knighton.

Patients receiving radiotherapy at Northampton General Hospital are set to benefit from a donation made by a previous patient;

Former patient Phil Vickers and his colleagues at the fraud team at Barclaycard donated £16,042.97 to the radiotherapy and oncology department at NGH as a thank you for the treatment that Phil received.

Funds were raised by hosting several events including raffles and cake sales at Barclaycard, along with a 100-mile bike ride under taken by Phil and his team along the South Downs. This took place on the hottest weekend of the year since 1976.

Phil said: “My first experience with Northampton General Hospital’s radiotherapy department was as a result of being diagnosed with a tumour on my vocal cords, I have to say from the outset that your emotions are all over the place, because you have been given this piece of news. So I was absolutely over the moon to be met by such professional people who not only treated me but also put my mind at rest.

“In terms of fundraising, I just wanted to give something back; I just wanted to acknowledge the treatment that I have received. I’ve never done something so hard in my life, but the satisfaction of raising over £16,000 was absolutely amazing!”

During the cheque presenting ceremony, consultant clinical oncologist, Craig Knighton said: “Head and neck tumours were in decline during the 1980s as people’s habits changed with regards to smoking and excessive drinking, but a resurgence has now started with numbers increasing, linked to a common virus. The treatment for both types of head and neck tumours, however, remains the same, and is tough on its patients at all stages.  All patients are required to undergo arduous, painful and protracted courses of radiotherapy, some also needing chemotherapy, with us healthcare professionals cushioning the blow.

“I’m very proud of Phil and his team, who have gone through hell and high-water to achieve such an amazing amount of money for the department. Every penny will be used, I’m sure, on improving patients’ journeys, and therefore their outcomes.”

Alison McCulloch, charity co-ordinator from the Northamptonshire Health Charitable Fund said: “It has been a pleasure working Phil and his team co-ordinating the donations that made up the incredible £16,042.97 raised for Radiotherapy.  This is a fantastic way for Phil to say thank you to the Radiotherapy department and we thank Phil very much for thinking of others with his fundraising.  These funds will really help make a difference to patient experience in radiotherapy”