After over 50 years of dedicated fundraising and support, Poole Hospital Cancer Treatment Trust (PHCTT) has now closed and merged with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity. While this marks a change, the mission remains the same — every penny of the funds raised has been ringfenced to continue supporting the diagnosis, treatment and care of cancer patients at Poole Hospital, in line with PHCTT’s original vision.
PHCTT has been a dedicated fundraiser for Poole Hospital’s cancer care services since the charity was founded in 1972 by Marjorie Lewis-Manning. Over the years, local businesses, community groups and compassionate individuals have donated over £10 million to PHCTT for the purchase of specialised equipment including MRI scanners, ultrasound equipment, a new facility named the Lewis-Manning Scanner Suite in honour of the PHCTT’s founder and much more.
Although PHCTT has now become part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, its proud history of care and commitment lives on as the final donation of £600,000 plus on-going legacies will support people living with cancer and their loved ones at Poole Hospital.
PHCTT chairman, Stuart Dean, said: “Working with PHCTT has been a cause close to my heart as I’ve had family and loved ones who have experienced the outstanding care of our cancer services at Poole Hospital. Following the merger of University Hospitals Dorset, PHCTT felt it was time to let the hospitals’ charity use their power to enhance the cancer care services at Poole Hospital, fund state-of-the-art equipment to support people on their cancer journey and continue the legacy that Mrs Lewis-Manning began many, many years ago.
“I want to thank all the people of Poole and greater Dorset who supported PHCTT over these last 50 years. Because of your support, we were able to fund lifechanging equipment and projects to help cancer patients in our local hospital.”
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity head of charity, Debbie Anderson, said: “We are incredibly grateful for everything PHCTT has achieved over the years and their incredible kindness for cancer patients and their loved ones supported by Poole Hospital. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey; your generosity and compassion will continue to make an impact for years to come.”
The transfer of funds was finalised at a celebration on 15 April 2025 at Poole Hospital, and we thank everyone at PHCTT and their supporters for making a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people impacted by cancer.