In May, hundreds of people across Dorset came together to shine bright for the annual Twilight Walk to support those affected by breast cancer. We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the dazzling generosity of our participants, we raised £20,734.94 for University Hospitals Dorset’s Breast Unit.
We are incredibly grateful to all the families, friends, NHS staff members and people across Wessex who lit up the Bournemouth Pier Approach with enthusiasm and support at the Twilight Walk 2024. Their shining presence made a meaningful impact on the services University Hospitals Dorset provides to our community.
This year, every penny raised will go towards the purchase of a specialised device that goes above and beyond NHS service provision to help diagnose and treat breast cancer patients.
Consultant Breast and Soft Tissue Surgeon, Mr Mark Tatterton, ambassador for this year’s Twighlight Walk said: “I am truly amazed and thankful by the amount raised and the volume of support from all the participants who have been touched by breast cancer in some way. Not only do I personally thank every participant, but I would also like to thank colleagues and patients who were pivotal in arranging such a special event. The acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment is an important investment for the future to ensure we can provide the highest levels of breast cancer care across Dorset in our hospitals. I also believe the event helped achieve our second aim of continuing to raise the awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment”.
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity public fundraising officer Amy Beauchamp said: “It was amazing to see everyone who shone bright and sparkled as they got involved in the Twilight Walk this year. Your generous donations and dedication to assisting those in our community affected by breast cancer makes our community so special.
“Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be extremely challenging, and the road ahead may seem daunting. The breast cancer care team provides invaluable support to those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from the moment they step onto the ward. I am immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to the Twilight Walk, helping us raise £20,734.94 further to aid the University Hospital’s Dorset Breast Unit in their vital work.”
The Twilight Walk 2024’s success was truly a collective effort. We are proud and grateful for the ongoing support from everyone across Dorset for helping to create a brighter future for patients with breast cancer by funding the purchase of a specialised portable X-ray device. Such a device will help streamline both the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
This kindness has allowed us to make significant strides in enhancing the resources available across the Royal Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals in recent years.
In March, we successfully raised an incredible £11,290 at March for Men to provide three ureteroscopes to the Urology team. The equipment will greatly improve the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer, kidney cancer and kidney stones.
We are excited to see everyone at next year’s Twilight Walk and continue building on this amazing success, as it demonstrates the impact of the community coming together to look after our NHS services.