MP visits Mary How Trust to see new cancer screening equipment

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited the Mary How Trust in Pulborough on Friday (11 February) to see their new ultrasound equipment which supports early cancer detection screening.

Wednesday 4 February marked World Cancer Day and highlighted the need for urgent action to increase early stage cancer detection and diagnosis.  The Mary How Trust for Cancer Prevention is a local charity which provides screening for early signs of serious illness including bowel and prostate cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

Mr Herbert is a Patron of the Trust which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year.  The Trust has been running a successful fundraising campaign ‘£30 for 30 years’ to upgrade its facilities.

The first fundraising goal of £30,000 has already been met for a new ultrasound machine.  The latest technology provides clearer imaging and is a key tool in the Trust’s screening programme. 

Mr Herbert met one of the Trust’s sonographers, Steph Easen, who demonstrated the ultrasound machine.  Steph explained how the new technology meets the challenges of screening people with higher than average BMIs and gives her an improved picture of soft tissue organs.

The Mary How Trust does not charge for their service but asks for a donation based on ability to pay.  This is why ongoing fundraising is vital for the Trust to enable them to check 1,000 people a year.

Phase 2 of the ‘£30 for 30 years’ appeal will support the purchase of diagnostic supplies. 

Roanne Moore, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, said: “The generous support for our ‘£30 For 30 Years’ appeal is already making a difference, and we couldn’t be more grateful.  Kind donors have helped us reach the first milestone to purchase a new ultrasound scanner, which is already helping people benefit from more detailed scans!  And we’re well on our way to reaching the next milestone of £30,000 for diagnostic supplies to our blood laboratory.  We were delighted to launch this second phase of the appeal with an award from the National Lottery Community Fund, and every donation of £30 will take us a step nearer, and help the community have a healthier future!”

Mr Herbert said: “It is always a pleasure to visit the team at the Mary How Trust and to see the latest developments.

“I am so pleased that the Trust have had such a successful year of fundraising and I hope that it continues so that more people can benefit from the health screenings they provide.”

ENDS

Notes  

1.     Photograph: Nick Herbert with sonographer Steph Easen demonstrating the new ultrasound scanner.

2.     To read more about World Cancer Day see https://www.worldcancerday.org/.

3.     To read more about the Mary How Trust for Cancer Prevention see https://www.maryhowtrust.org.