Lewis-Manning Hospice was presented with a cheque for £4,000 this week from The Sunshade Appeal, which made the donation from money raised at its sell-out Mayflower Charity Ball, held in May at the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The Sunshade Appeal exists to support the treatment of cancer within Dorset Hospitals. A charity in its own right, the organisation is run entirely by volunteers and aims to deliver 100% of funds raised directly to the projects it supports.
Sunshade Appeal team members, Lucie Allen along with Joanna Dean, who is also a former volunteer at the hospice, visited Lewis-Manning and presented the cheque to Director of Development, Rachel Lapworth, Community Fundraiser, Sara Johnson and Tania Wynne-Edwards, who is a Senior Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist. The money raised will be used to purchase laser equipment for its Lymphoedema Clinic.
Tania explained, “Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by damage or disruption to the lymphatic system that causes swelling in the body’s tissue. Lewis-Manning Hospice has run one of Dorset’s 3 Lymphoedema clinics since opening its doors 22 years ago and over the years, the clinic has helped hundreds of patients manage this condition which is a result of their cancer and its treatment.
Low Level Laser Therapy has been used internationally for many years with its development now taking place within in the UK as a treatment option for lymphoedema. Laser therapy can help soften the lymphoedema tissues and allow better lymphatic drainage from the affected area. It can also reduce pain and ease heaviness, improve scar tissue aiding the range of movement. We are extremely grateful for this donation as it will give us the opportunity to introduce the new laser equipment, which will greatly assist in improving the patient’s quality of life both physically and psychologically.”
Lucie Allen from Sunshade, added, “The Sunshade Appeal are delighted to have been able to donate the proceeds from our Mayflower Ball to Lewis-Manning Hospice. As a small local charity our aim is to purchase equipment for local hospitals, clinics and hospices which improves the treatment and well-being of the patients. The proceeds from the Mayflower Ball have enabled the hospice to purchase some advanced laser equipment otherwise beyond their budget for the treatment of Lymphodema. As Lewis-Manning received very little government funding they rely heavily from the support of the local community”.
