On Saturday night there’s a charity event taking place upstairs at Firebug, which will be raising funds for Our Space. Intrigued by the concept and the charity we spoke with event organiser, Lucy Thompson, to find out more.
“Our Space is aiming to raise funds for a new cancer unit at the LRI. At the moment the cancer unit only goes up to 17 years old and then you go on to Adult Services, so it’s about young adults having access to treatment and facilities. In order to do that we need £1.4 million. It’s mainly to allow young adults to be around people their own age who they can identify with whilst they’re going through treatment. The Teenage Cancer Trust have been helping us and their backing has been great”
On the night there will be DJs spinning tunes throughout the evening, drinks flowing and a fantastic raffle, the proceeds of which will all go towards the charity. Lucy told us, “We’ve got the venue for free and all of the DJs are there for free, so every penny we raise will go straight towards the charity.”
Prizes on the raffle range from meals out to donations from various shops in Highcross, and the main prize is a Vintage Lemon Drop Guitar! Tickets can be puchased on the night.
Working for the NHS, Lucy has directly seen just what a difference this new unit would make, “As a paediatric nurse I’ve seen first hand the effect that it could have. I see teenagers who are so isolated, they spend so much time in hospital but it can be a depressing time for them. It really is evident what a difference it would make for them to be with other young people.”
Improvements that will come from funds raised include:
– Dedicated upgraded space for children up to 13 years including playroom and televisions.
– Brand new adjoining but separate space for young people aged 13-24 for treatment and recreation, built to high specification – importantly – catering for some young people with cancer who need looking after in specialised isolation rooms.
– New dedicated day case treatment and clinic space for 0-24 year olds located within the children and young people’s cancer unit.
– Support for patients and their families.
Summed up in the words of a 15 year old cancer patient, “Cancer takes away your childhood so being with people your own age helps you regain some of it and brings some normality”
To support Lucy and the rest of the Our Space appeal head down to Firebug on Saturday evening, tickets cost £5 otd.
For futher information on the appeal please click HERE.
- Event organiser Lucy Thompson