Frimley Park Hospital welcomed local fundraisers including former breast cancer patients this month to showcase its new mammography machine. 

Andrew House, head of fundraising at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, personally thanked the guests who gathered in the hospital’s radiology department on Wednesday 1 November for their on-going support. 

The state-of-the-art 3D mammography machine, which cost over £300,000, was purchased with money raised by Frimley Health Charity’s Breast Care Appeal. 

Andrew said: “So many members of the local community have worked tirelessly to fundraise and lend their support to this project. Your generosity is staggering and we are incredibly thankful to all of you.” 

Radiology consultant Fiona Hearn explained why this new equipment is cutting-edge. She said: “As well as 3D technology, this machine boasts new contrast imaging capability.  The combination allows us to diagnose cancers earlier and reduce false positives recalls.” 

Heather Acheson from Farnborough, who attended with husband Colin, set up a community support group to help people diagnosed with breast cancer. 

She said: “It’s really important to let the community know how the money has been spent. Frimley Park is a wonderful hospital and I’m thrilled to see this machine in action.” 

Also in attendance were Kim Knight and Sally Herman from Paint Fleet Pink, a local fundraising group which raised a massive £30,000. 

Kim and Sally, both from Fleet and former breast cancer patients, organised a week-long fundraising extravaganza in October 2015 which saw local businesses, shops and restaurants raise money for the appeal through a variety of events. 

Kim said: “The consultants are really passionate about breast care at Frimley so it’s nice to give something back. 

“When you’re a patient you feel like you can’t thank them enough, so it’s nice to be able to contribute towards a piece of equipment like this.” 

The Breast Care Appeal has raised over £1.85 million to date - £1,084,830 through fundraising and a further £750,000 from Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust which oversees Frimley Park Hospital. 

Numerous other local businesses and organisations contributed towards the appeal including SC Johnson, Novartis, KatCanDo and Bob Potter, owner of Lakeside County Club in nearby Frimley Green. 

In addition to the 3D mammography machine, the money will be used to build a dedicated new unit for the 6,000 people who use the hospital’s breast care services every year. 

Frimley Health Charity has now launched a new appeal and is seeking to raise over £400,000 for improving the care of stroke patients at Frimley Park Hospital. Generous community support has already taken the total to over £100,000. If you would like to get involved please contact the fundraising office on 01276 604642 or go to www.frimleyhealthcharity.org to find out more.