The two charities will be working together to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer amongst the South East Asian community, and will be inviting the community to contribute their ideas and feedback for input to the new East of England cancer hospital, based on people’s lived experiences of cancer and hospital care. The combined ambition is to reach out and include everyone from the community to raise awareness of cancer, early detection and fundraising.
The planned Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will bring together NHS staff from Addenbrooke’s Hospital and scientists from the University of Cambridge and its Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre under one roof, in a new world-class, specialist hospital planned for the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. It is being designed in partnership with patients, families and staff to ensure the new hospital will provide the best care to meet everyone’s needs.
Give Us A Lift has committed to raising funds for the brand new cancer hospital, by organising a number of annual events and fundraising ‘gala’ dinners between now and the expected opening of the new specialist hospital in 2028.
Mr Aminul Islam, Trustee of Give Us A Lift said: “At Give Us A Lift, we strive to champion the cause of compassionate care and community support. We are proud to collaborate with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and contribute in shaping the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, where every idea, every voice, contributes to a sanctuary of healing and hope. "
Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital is on track to be the first hospital delivered in the East of England as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme and its commitment to build 40 new hospitals by 2030. Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations (CUDAR) are fundraising to secure additional funding needed for the hospital and to help deliver on its commitment to transform cancer care for generations to come.
Elaine Chapman, Lead Advisory Nurse for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Give Us A Lift charity to raise vital funds for our new specialist cancer hospital, which will change the story of cancer for patients locally, regionally and nationally.
“The money raised through our fundraising campaign, as well as our committed funding from the Government’s New Hospital Programme, will elevate the hospital from an NHS build, to a state-of-the-art facility with exceptional surroundings for patients and staff.
“We are already engaging with individuals and different communities for their views and feedback on the new hospital; to ensure the new facility is the best it can be for anyone who may need to use it. It is a pleasure to now be working with the Islamic community to help deliver on this important commitment in ensuring healthcare is accessible to all.”
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the charity’s first fundraising event planned this year to mark ‘Iftar’, a fast-breaking evening meal in Ramadan, at Cambridge Marina, St. Ives on Wednesday 20 March. Invitees include the Mayors of Cambridge and Huntingdon, Rev. Stephen Cherry, Dean of King’s College and Islamic scholar Dr. Timothy Winter.
The charity is also organising a live TV fundraising appeal for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital on 25th March, which will be broadcast on Channel S TV (Sky 777) from 5pm until 4am on 26th March.
Seventy per cent of money raised through the partnership will go towards ACT for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, and Give Us A Lift will benefit from the remaining thirty per cent.
Previously, the charity have fundraised for a number of causes, including building Cambridge Central Mosque, Europe’s first eco-friendly purpose-built mosque in the city.
Shelly Thake, Chief Executive at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust said: ““We are so excited, and honoured, that Give Us A Lift have chosen to partner with Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust to help make the new cancer hospital a reality. The energy and enthusiasm they are already bringing to this campaign is infectious, and together we hope to inspire countless people to get behind this campaign to make the new hospital a reality and change the story of cancer."
Construction works to prepare the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital site are expected to start this summer, while the main building works will get underway in 2025.
