Duchess of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie officially opened Teenage Cancer Trust unit in Newcastle

20/05/10

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie today (19 May) officially opened Teenage Cancer Trust’s new state-of-the-art unit in Newcastle. They were joined by The Who frontman Roger Daltrey CBE and local star Joe McElderry.

The unit is the result of a £1.7 million fundraising appeal and will provide care for 13 to 18 year olds with cancer from across the North East and Cumbria. It replaces the current Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary which was opened by Sarah, Duchess of York in 1998.

Teenage Cancer Trust funds specialist teenage cancer units in NHS hospitals that are designed to give teenagers the very best chance of a positive outcome. This year marks 20 years since Sarah, Duchess of York opened Teenage Cancer Trust’s very first cancer unit for teenagers in London. There are now 15 specialist units across the country, over half of which were opened by the Duchess. However, it is estimated that only half of the young people diagnosed with cancer have access to this dedicated, specialist support so the charity aims to build enough units so that every young person with cancer will be treated on one.

The new unit in Newcastle includes 10 inpatient beds and will provide a home from home for many young people and their families. Unlike ‘ordinary’ hospital wards, it has been designed specifically with teenagers in mind. It includes a recreational room, kitchen and dining area, a study, parents’ room and kitchen, a complementary therapy room and chill out zone plus access to media facilities such as the internet, TV and music.

Sarah, Duchess of York said ‘I am so proud to be here today to open the 15th Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Great North Children Hospital. As a parent to two young and fortunately healthy girls, this charity has a particular place in my heart. Over the past 20 years I have seen how important these specialist units are to a young person going through cancer treatment.”

Hannah Schweppe, 15, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer at the age of 14. She said: “The Teenage Cancer Trust unit makes such a difference to how you are feeling while you are in hospital. Not only is there more space but there are also loads of different facilities and things to do. Each bed has its own TV and headphones, so we don’t argue about what to watch! The nice environment makes me feel perkier when and the staff are so great and friendly.”

Joe McElderry said: “It is great to see what Teenage Cancer Trust has achieved at the hospital. The new unit will make a huge difference to teenagers in Newcastle and I am honoured to be a part of a great cause”

Simon Davies, Chief Executive of Teenage Cancer Trust adds “We are incredibly excited to see the unit up and running and are confident that our patients, their families and unit staff will benefit from the specialist support and care it provides.”

He continues, “I would like to say a huge thank you to the Hospital and to everyone who has been involved in supporting Teenage Cancer Trust locally over the last few years.”

Every day in the UK, six young people are told they have cancer. This is a rising figure and there are already more young people than children with the disease. Teenage Cancer Trust understands that teenage cancer requires specialist care, provided in an environment suited to their specific needs.

Donations are still needed for the upkeep of Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit now it has opened – all donations can be sent to: Teenage Cancer Trust North of England Appeal, PO Box 772, North Shields, NE29 1ET.

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For press enquiries, please contact: Shree Rajani on 020 7612 0709 / 07904 916470 or email shree.rajani@teenagecancertrust.org

Notes to Editors: Both Sarah, Duchess of York and Roger Daltrey CBE are patrons of Teenage Cancer Trust.

Any funds raised in excess of development needs will be re-distributed to support young people with cancer through existing or new services in the local area or elsewhere.

For more information about Teenage Cancer Trust and how you can get involved, visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

Teenage Cancer Trust registered charity no. 1062559