Actor opens new Teenage Cancer Trust facilities in London

28/07/10

New and refurbished facilities for young cancer patients living in London was officially opened today (28 July) at University College Hospital (UCH), by actor and director Noel Clarke.

These facilities have been developed by Teenage Cancer Trust and include a new young person’s radiotherapy chill out waiting room, a new kitchen for parents and the refurbishment of an outpatient waiting area featuring a plasma TV, games consoles, wall glamour and comfy chairs.

The new areas complement the existing Teenage Cancer Trust unit which was opened at UCH in 2005. The unit is the primary NHS treatment centre for teenage cancer within London and the South East and supports young cancer patients aged between 13 and 20, allowing them to be treated alongside other young people of a similar age rather than on a children’s ward or adult ward.

The 19-bed unit is designed for young people, boasting bright, vibrant wall designs and state-of-the-art technology allowing young people to keep in touch with their friends and family. It also offers young people a day room where they can hang out with friends which includes a pool table and games, as well as a separate dining area and kitchen. The unit also provides a medical team of teenage cancer specialists.

Teenage Cancer Trust raised £60,000 for the new facilities and kindly received fundraising support from the Jemma Kate Foundation, Colchester United in association with the Emily Begg Fund and the Vessna Foundation.

Alice Watts, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Regional Appeals Executive in London comments: “In the past five years the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at UCH has supported hundreds of young cancer patients. We know that young people have a much better chance in their fight against cancer if they are treated by teenage cancer experts, in an environment tailored to their needs and so these new areas will help continue this vital work.”

Teenage Cancer Trust supporter and actor and director Noel Clarke comments about the opening: “I first visited the unit at UCH last year and I didn’t think they could do better to support these amazing young people. I was mistaken and the new and improved facilities are just fantastic.” Teenage Cancer Trust has built and maintains 16 specialist units in NHS hospitals across the UK. This year the charity is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the first unit opening at the Middlesex Hospital. Teenage Cancer Trust aims to build enough units so that every young person in the UK diagnosed with cancer has access to one.