Burnley charity shop raises thousands to pay for vital cancel equipment

(left to right) Christine Hughes, director of Communication at the ELHT, John Banaszkiewicz and Kate Sandilands look on as Lucy Kelly Lead Nurse Endoscopist holds the cheque, with Abbey Hartley and Alisha Boyle looking on.

The ‘CARES' charity shop in Burnley town centre, set up by club director John Banaszkiewicz, has helped pay for an endoscope and a scope guide, which will be donated to Burnley General Hospital to help detect early cancer in adults and children.

A cheque to cover the cost of the equipment was handed over at a special ceremony outside the ‘Labels’ shop

Christine Hughes, director of Communications and Engagement at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “On behalf of our hospital charity, ELHT, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to John and everyone at CARES.

“Their kindness and generosity is having a direct impact on the people of Burnley, and on early diagnosis of cancer.

“We strongly encourage anyone who suspects they may have cancer to see their GP, and anyone with an appointment at our hospitals should keep that appointment.

“Early diagnosis can have a huge impact on outcome. Thank you again CARES!'

Lucy Kelly, lead Nurse Endoscopist at Burnley General Teaching Hospital added: "This new equipment will be invaluable in our efforts to diagnose and treat cancer early.

“We can now perform more complex tests and procedures in a single episode at Burnley General Hospital reducing stress and anxiety.

“This will have a really positive impact on local people, improving convenience as well as outcomes."

Mr Banaszkiewicz said: “This has been a huge community effort. Customers purchasing bargain designer clothes have directly contributed to helping to buy these machines, which will be vital in detecting early cancer in patients.

“The Covid pandemic has meant that resources in hospitals have become stretched, so we know this equipment will be of a huge benefit to staff at the hospital.”

He added: “A special mention goes to Boohoo Group, who have donated the majority of the stock with Karen Millen and Coast, as well as help from Michelle B, Scruples and many others.

“A huge thank you, also, to everyone who helped get us to this position, from people who have bought the clothing to all the suppliers and contractors who made this possible.

“It’s such an important cause and we need more people to continue to shop with us, so we can do more.

“We still need your support and if you are a designer brand who would like to be involved, or anyone who would like to help as a volunteer, please contact us, but more importantly keep shopping with us, as you are making a difference!”

Contributor Anthony Fairclough added: “This donation means we can directly help the people of Burnley straight away by reducing waiting times for people worried about cancer.

“I would like to thank all the dedicated staff, volunteers, suppliers and contractors, who have helped us get our first step on the ladder. This really has been, and continues to be, a community effort.”