£50,000 appeal to buy new prostate cancer scanner for Burnley

Chair of East Lancs Prostrate Cancer Support Group Dave Riley, Stuart Marshall (secretary), Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle, Tracy Cooke (clinical nurse specialist neurology) and Mr Mohan Pillai (consultant neurologist) with the old scanner.

The scanner, which has saved countless lives during its residency at Burnley General Hospital, has become outdated and Mr Birtwistle has called upon the Burnley Express and the town’s residents to get behind this latest campaign.

“This machine has scanned thousands upon thousands of patients, it’s been invaluable to the hospital and the people of the area,” he said. “Like anything though, it’s 10 years old now and there is better technology out there. We want to raise £50,000 to replace this scanner but we don’t want to stop there. Anything else we raise will go towards buying portable scanners to use within the community.

“It doesn’t just detect prostate cancer but also bladder, kidney and testicular cancer. It has saved hundreds of lives and a new one would continue to do the same.”

Mr Birtwistle, along with the efforts of his wife Kathleen, managed to raise £60,000 during their year as the borough’s Mayor and Mayoress in 2002/2003.

The appeal was inspired by his father, who died from prostrate cancer.

“After my dad died from prostate cancer I went to the urology department and asked them what we could do to help.

“They said they wanted a new scanner but didn’t have enough money to buy it so that is when we started the appeal. At the time it was the most advanced scanner of its kind in the world.

“We’re going to be raising funds for 15 months so I’m sure we can reach the target.”

Anyone who can help the campaign or companies willing to hold fund-raising events can contact the Burnley Express or email [email protected].