CANCER research at the University of Warwick has received a boost thanks to the former Lord Mayor of Coventry.
At the start of his term in office, Coun Lindsley Harvard chose the University of Warwick’s Cancer Research Centre as one of his official charities.
This week, the university handed over £8,500 to the centre which was raised during a number of fundraising events by local groups and individuals.
Established to improve detection, treatments, and patient care, the Cancer Research Centre uses the expertise of the University’s Warwick Medical School and its partners.
Areas of research for use include the development of anti-cancer drugs and the use of big data to develop personalised cancer therapy.
The Centre is also looking at reducing hair loss through a scalp-cooling process which has worked well in small control groups.
Annie Young, professor of nursing, said: “In addition to fighting the disease, the Cancer Research Centre also looks at some of the issues that cancer patients struggle with on a daily basis during their treatment.
“I am determined to do something positive to support the women I treat who have a fear of losing their hair during chemotherapy.
“As well as the tiredness, feeling sick and losing weight they also have to cope with this outward sign of undergoing cancer treatment.”
Researches are also creating better health education programmes to encourage more people going through cancer therapies to face their fears.
And part of the forward thinking attitude can be put down to the £17,000 raised by Coun Harvard during his term in office.
He said: “It was a privilege to be Lord Mayor of our city and there were so many memorable moments.
“But one of the outstanding highlights for me was being able to support two such wonderful causes.
“Both the charities work so hard and do so much for the people of our city and further afield and I am delighted that we were able to raise such a great amount to further their work.”
Charlotte Maytum, community fundraiser at the Warwick Cancer Research Centre, said: “We are so grateful to Cllr Harvard and all the businesses, organisations and individuals who supported his charity appeal over the past year.
“We will use some of the funds raised by the Lord Mayor to develop a new approach to the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, particularly focusing on understanding the development of drug-resistant disease.”
