As part of our 10th Anniversary celebrations, we chose to support Gloucestershire-based charity Cobalt by raising vital funds and increasing awareness of their work and current projects.

Cobalt support patients throughout the county with cancer, dementia and other conditions, and invest in equipment, research and education to ensure as many people as possible have access to the best medical imaging for diagnosis.

The money we raise will go towards two specific campaigns – Cobalt’s Dementia Futures Fund and funding a specialist nurse to support teenagers and young adults suffering with cancer.

Research & Improving Care for Dementia Sufferers – Cobalt Dementia Futures Fund

Cobalt need to raise £150,000+ each year to support this important work. 

One of Cobalt’s objectives is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of dementia. They use state-of-the-art imaging equipment to diagnose dementia and are working to increase patient participation in research trials studying new treatments.

To provide a calming environment for patients when they visit for diagnostic scans, the equipment is housed in a room with relaxing décor including a beautiful wall mural of a countryside landscape.

Dementia currently affects 850,000 people in the UK and it is only through research that the causes can be determined, effective treatments developed and care improved for patients, both existing and in the future.

Cobalt are raising funds to support two Dementia Research Nurses who work with doctors and patients to recruit patients onto national trials. They also support many of these trials with the state-of-the-art imaging equipment for patients.

Cobalt work with local hospitals and medical professionals in the county to improve the care and facilities for patients with dementia.

Supporting Teenagers & Young Adults with Cancer

The impact of a cancer diagnosis on young people and families is immense. Young cancer patients have unique biological, physiological and social needs during treatment which are distinct from other cancer patients. For teenagers and young adults, traditionally little care has been put into place that delivers according to their specific needs, with patients often either being treated alongside children of a younger age, or with adults.

The Cobalt TYA Cancer Nurse ensures that the needs of young adult cancer patients are established at a time when they are most vulnerable. Cobalt part funds TYA Nurse Megan Wilsher at a cost of £27,000 per annum. The post is funded through donations to Cobalt and provides an invaluable service.

“My role ensures these patients are supported throughout their cancer journey and beyond, helping them to move forward with their life, as they would have without the intrusion of cancer,” said Megan.

Running for Cobalt in the Cheltenham Challenge 10k

One of our fundraising activities is in June when Lois and her boyfriend Jack will be running the Cheltenham Challenge 10k.

If you’d like to sponsor them and help us raise money for Cobalt, please visit the link below. You can also find the link on any of our Social Media pages.

Imagine if every household receiving a copy of The Local Answer donated £1 – together we’d raise enough money to fund both of Cobalt’s campaigns for a whole year!

You can help support Cobalt by sponsoring Lois & Jack online at:
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TheLocalAnswer10thBirthdayYear