Newcastle United defender Dan Burn made a special visit to The Great North Children’s Hospital this week to spend time with patients and their families ahead of World Cancer Day.
Held annually every 4 February, World Cancer Day aims to raise awareness and encourage prevention of cancer. Cancer touches millions of lives in countless ways and the theme of this year’s campaign is ‘United by Unique’ placing people at the centre of care.
During his visit, coordinated in partnership with Newcastle Hospitals Charity, Dan spent time on the children’s oncology ward and the children’s oncology day unit. He heard first hand from patients and their families about their treatment journeys and even had time for a dance and a very competitive game of Dobble!
Dan said: “It’s been an emotional day meeting some incredible people. As a dad, I have so much admiration for parents and NHS staff who are real heroes to the children each day.
“It was a privilege to spend time talking, playing games, and even having a singalong with one of the families. Hopefully it helped bring some joy and take their mind off things for an afternoon.
“Above all, I just want every patient to know that they have our support. Cancer affects almost every one of us at some point in our lives, and it’s important that we all look out for each other.”
Teri Bayliss, Newcastle Hospitals Charity Director, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Dan to The Great North Children’s Hospital. I know that the time he spent with young patients and their families makes a huge difference. Not only did it help to brighten the day of our patients it also means a lot to our staff who go above and beyond to care for those receiving treatment.”
This visit comes as Newcastle Hospitals Charity prepares to launch an ambitious community fundraising campaign to build a world leading cancer trials research centre at the Freeman Hospital.
The Sir Bobby Robson institute will be fully funded by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity. With over £20million already raised thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the fundraising campaign is now ramping up to raise the final funds to complete the project and turn the vision into reality.
An official groundbreaking ceremony in early April will mark the start of construction and it is hoped that the Institute will not only double cancer trial capacity but become a beacon of hope for patients with cancer across the north east and beyond.
