12 December 2017

Nearly £22,000 has been presented to SaTH following a mammoth fundraising effort launched by a Shropshire auctioneer and estate agent after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Julie Powell (centre) presents the cheque to SaTH’s Endoscopy Unit

Stephen Powell launched the Stephen Powell Cancer Research Fund when he was diagnosed with Gastro-Oesophageal cancer in 2012, to help others if they were ever diagnosed. Stephen, who was a well-known auctioneer and estate agent for Halls in Oswestry, lost his battle in 2014. He had raised more than £16,000. Fundraising efforts continued for the Fund, and this week his sister Julie Powell, who is a nurse at SaTH, helped to present a cheque for £21,191.74 to the Trust’s Endoscopy Unit, where Stephen was treated.

Julie said: “My brother was diagnosed in 2012, and the first thing that he did when he was diagnosed was start the Stephen Powell Cancer Research Fund. He underwent radical treatment but unfortunately lost his battle on December 1, 2014 – hence why we are presenting the cheque on his anniversary. Stephen wanted to help the people of Shropshire and Powys so if they were ever diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer, the money would go towards diagnosis/treatment.”

The cheque was presented to Trust Consultant, Dr Mark Smith by Julie along with Ann Edwards, Sarah Evans and Hayley Jackson of Halls.

Julie added: “Stephen was an auctioneer and estate agent, and so was well known in Oswestry and the surrounding districts. They have given a lot of the money and we are repaying them for their kindness, because they would benefit from the equipment that the money is going towards. My brother would be extremely touched by the amount of money raised and so pleased that it is going to such a beneficial service.”

Dr Mark Smith said: “The endoscopy team at SaTH is very grateful for all the work the Stephen Powell Cancer Research Fund has done in his memory to raise this spectacular sum of £22,000.

“This will be invaluable in helping us develop new services for patients with upper gastrointestinal problems, such as swallowing difficulties. One service we are keen to introduce is nasoendoscopy, a new form of endoscopy which is more comfortable for patients, and has several advantages over the standard diagnostic test. Although the service will require more funding to be established, this very generous donation brings us much closer to achieving it in the near future.”

If anyone would like to contribute to the Stephen Powell Cancer Research Fund, they are asked to get in touch with Hayley Jackson at Halls, Oswestry.