In the summer of 2024, Rose Marshall from Belchford near Horncastle attended the Ingham Suite for treatment. One year later, the same unit welcomed Liam Bradley from South Hykeham near Lincoln. Both patients received chemotherapy during some of the year’s hottest days.
Both found the heat unbearable and pledged to raise funds to install air-conditioning and improve conditions for patients in the future.
Together they have raised an incredible £10,435 for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Ingham Suite’s Deputy Sister Liz Timms said: “They have raised an amazing amount of money. Once installed, the new air-conditioning system on Ingham Suite will dramatically improve comfort for the hundreds of patients who spend many hours a day receiving their treatments.”
In February 2025, Liam, an Area Retail Manager for Iceland, noticed a yellow tint in his eyes. After being rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, for an emergency operation on his bile duct, he received the devasting news that he had 12 tumours in his bile duct, liver and blood vessels, and a prognosis of just twelve months to live.
Liam began chemotherapy at Lincoln County Hospital’s Ingham Suite, attending sessions for the next six months, throughout what was to be one of the hottest summers on record. He recalls: “I couldn’t believe the heat. We were all struggling – nurses and patients alike. It was so uncomfortable to sit in the chairs and have chemo in these conditions.”
Determined to raise funds to install air conditioning into the ward, Liam organised a charity golf day and even completed a sponsored skydive whilst on holiday. At the end of the year, he had raised £4,730.
Another patient who struggled with the heat whilst receiving her treatment was Rose, who was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer in May 2024. She added: “The nurses were incredible, continuing to care for patients with calm professionalism despite the stifling heat. Their dedication and composure never wavered.”
When her treatment ended in November 2024, Rose reached out to her friends, family and colleagues at Tropic Skincare, where Rose works as an Executive Leader, to support her fundraising mission and raised an outstanding £5,705.
Liam and Rose, who have both responded well to their treatments, met for the first time when they visited the ward to present their donation to United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. They have since become good friends and are already planning a joint fundraising event to further support enhanced care for cancer patients across Lincolnshire.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts, was overjoyed with the donation: “Rose and Liam have used their experiences of being patients to support an addition that will benefit many more patients in the future. To be able to combine their fundraising achievements for the same goal is wonderful and we give our absolute thanks!”
More information on United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity and the work they undertake to transform health care across Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group can be found on the charity’s website.