The Liver and Pancreatic Research and Development (LAP R&D) Cancer Charity, part of the Southampton University Hospital Trust, has received a £2,500 donation from the Barker-Mill Foundation (BMF) to support its fundraising Bat and Ball charity dinner on 15th October .
The donation will help support the charity event at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, which will be the fourth fundraising major event that the charity has organised since it was founded in December 2012. The organisers hope that the support they’ve received from BMF, combined with donations from those attending the event, will help fund further research and develop surgical treatment to improve patient care and patient prognosis.
The charity was founded by Dr Mo Abu Hilal and a number of Patients with Liver and Pancreatic Cancer with the aim to improve patient care, outcomes and survival and work together to beat liver and pancreatic cancer. The Southampton Hepatobiliary Pancreatic team noted a need to create the charity to aid developments in surgical techniques, research and enable the procedures to be more widely available.
A number of research projects has been developed and funded by the charity, including a liver stem cells project and research into the role of keyhole surgery in improving outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing liver and pancreatic surgery. More sound projects are been initiated specifically on biomarkers for an early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, considered one of the worst killers due to its late diagnosis.
Tim Jobling, Trustee at the Barker-Mill Foundation said “The pioneering research Mr Hilal and his team are carrying out has provided vital support for patients suffering with liver and pancreatic cancer. We are delighted to be able to contribute to the charity in generating further funding for ongoing research.
“We are privileged to have the opportunity to help the charity host its fundraising dinner and we’re excited to attend! It is good to know our donation is contributing towards generating further support and funding for such a deserving local charity.”
With continuous support, the research team are able to continue their recent breakthrough in growing human stem cells outside of the body. As a result of this fantastic progress the team are extending their research programmed funding for another two years.
Founding member of the charity, Mr Hilal is a surgeon, consultant and honorary Associate Professor at Southampton University Hospital. He believes that patient survival rates can be improved if the disease is diagnosed and treated earlier.
Mr Hilal said “There needs to be more funding put into the research and development around liver and pancreatic cancer, with the generous donations and support we have already received we have been able to initiate pioneering research and treatment to help current and future patients.
“With continuous support from organisations such as the Barker-Mill Foundation, we are able to host further fundraising events like our Bat and Ball charity dinner. It is an exciting time for us and we really appreciate the support and awareness that is being generated for the charity.”
To find out more about the charity or to attend the event, please visit http://www.lapcancercharity.com/