Discover how research and community support are transforming cancer care.
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In the north-east of Scotland, the Anchor Unit, officially known as the Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology, and Radiotherapy, has become a beacon of hope for cancer patients. Located within the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, this specialized facility is bolstered by the charitable organization Friend of ANCHOR (FoA), which plays a crucial role in enhancing patient care through funding and support.
While the visible support provided by the Anchor Unit and FoA is commendable, the less visible yet equally important work in cancer research often remains underappreciated. Recently, supporters of FoA were invited to gain insight into the transformative research efforts taking place at the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute. This initiative allowed attendees to participate in lab tours and understand how their contributions are directly impacting cancer treatment advancements.
Among those who benefited from this initiative was Murray Jamieson, a cancer patient who recently learned he is in remission. Murray expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to witness the research firsthand, describing the experience as “mind-blowing.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the rigorous processes behind cancer treatments, stating, “Seeing the thoroughness and attention to detail in the process is incredibly reassuring.” For patients like Murray, the support from charities like FoA not only provides essential resources but also fosters a sense of community during a challenging time.
The impact of community involvement is further exemplified by the story of Baillie Dryden, who faced health challenges after receiving a booster vaccine. His father, Mark, highlighted the swift response from the hospital’s haematology department, which led to a quick diagnosis. Inspired by their experience, the Dryden family, along with friends, embarked on a fundraising journey that has raised over £15,000 for FoA. Their efforts have funded the purchase of a Virtual Reality (VR) headset for the ward, providing patients with a much-needed escape from the hospital environment.
Mark expressed his satisfaction with the initiative, stating, “It’s really rewarding to see we’ve made some sort of difference.” Baillie echoed this sentiment, noting the importance of creating VR experiences that resonate with local culture, allowing patients to feel more at home during their treatment.
During the lab tours, attendees learned about groundbreaking research led by haematology registrar Dr. Abhi Mathur, who is developing innovative immunotherapies aimed at training the immune system to combat cancer. Dr. Mathur emphasized the necessity of funding for basic research, stating, “Not all cancer treatments work for everyone. Around a third of patients don’t respond to frontline treatment.” The support from FoA is instrumental in advancing these critical research efforts, which could lead to more effective treatment options for patients.
Dr. Mathur expressed his gratitude for the support he receives, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer and the vital role that organizations like FoA play in alleviating some of that burden. The collaborative efforts between the Anchor Unit, FoA, and the community are paving the way for a brighter future in cancer care, demonstrating that together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against this disease.
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