Cooling caps to reduce hair loss delivered to St Helens Hospital

The haematology and oncology day unit have benefited from the new scalp cooling technology, made by Paxman, which helps to significantly reduce hair loss, a side effect of many chemotherapy treatments.

Linzi Prescott Trustee of the SPF said: "When Stephen was having chemotherapy, he would always ask if he would lose his hair.

Sharon Farrell with Linzi Prescott and Lilac Centre Staff St Helens and Whiston Hospitals

"This was not from a vanity point of view, but because he didn’t want people to feel sorry for him and more importantly, he wanted to protect our young boys.

"Stephen was always passionate about helping others and looking for ways to give hope in difficult times.

"I think he would be delighted that the SPF can help patients going through chemotherapy treatment.

The two additional Paxman scalp cooling machines, at a cost of £28,500 are already up and running with staff receiving training as soon as they were delivered to the centre.

Pat Gillis, Cancer Services Manager at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “On behalf of all our patients and staff we would like to say the biggest thank you to the Steve Prescott Foundation.

"Hair loss can be one of the most distressing side-effects of chemotherapy and so anything we can do to support and help our patients during their care is of enormous value.

"This extremely generous donation will go a very long way to making treatment that bit more bearable for our amazing patients.”

Lindsey Ditchfield training with James Taylor & Staff Paxman Scalp Cooling Machines

SPF fundraiser Sharon Farrell added: “When I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer I was devastated.

"I was referred to the Lilac Centre and they were absolutely fantastic.

"I did not know about the Scalp Cooling machines beforehand, I thought that I was going to lose my hair. Thankfully this was not the case.

"I wanted to help others in my position and sent a message to Linzi Prescott to ask her to simply share my fundraising page, within days it was agreed for the SPF to purchase two machines and I believe two others machines have been maintained.

"This is fantastic and will mean many more people in my position will have more chance of keeping their hair”

This donation will go alongside the £10,000 donated this year to the Rugby League Benevolent Fund to help assist with Mose Masoe’s rehabilitation.

The SPF will also be announcing their annual donations to The Christie Hospital and RFL Benevolent Fund later this year.