Specsavers team and friend raise money for radiotherapy machine in memory of colleague’s wife

Staff at the Specsavers headquarters in Nottingham took on a fundraising challenge to fund a special machine to be used in the Radiotherapy department at the City Hospital.

The team raised money in memory of their colleague Stuart Green’s wife Amber, who was treated in the Radiotherapy department before she sadly passed away.

Stuart and his colleagues raised the money by doing a Tough Mudder challenge, and the funds raised have gone towards providing a new ‘PBM’ machine for other patients like Amber. Stuart’s friend, Chris McClymont further boosted the fundraising total with an impressive 100-mile run, completing 400 laps of an athletics track.

The Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy machine uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate cell repair and help alleviate pain and inflammation, and minimise side effects such as mouth sores and skin irritation, which are often caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Emma Hallam, Consultant Radiographer in the Radiotherapy department, said: “This new equipment is invaluable to patients who attend our clinic. It’s a profound extension of the care we can offer, enabling side effect reduction and an improvement in quality of life. We’re so grateful to Stuart and the Specsavers team for providing this machine, in Amber’s memory.”

Sam Cousens, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re incredibly moved that Stuart and his colleagues chose to fundraise for the Radiotherapy department in Amber’s memory. The money they raised has enabled us to fund this amazing machine, which is already making a real difference to other patients like Amber, and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Stuart Green said: “I am so proud of what Chris and my friends at Specsavers have achieved. Amber took part in an early trial for PBM therapy and would be so pleased this new machine is here to support patients for years to come.  Thank you all for your support and contributions.”