Weston Park Cancer Charity is closing in on its £1.85 million fundraising goal following the Steel City Derby’s ‘Bring a Pound’ initiative.

The campaign saw the charity get closer to their fundraising target to buy an MRI simulator for their hospital.

Players walked out at Brammall Lane surrounded by Weston Park Cancer Charity banners and fans were urged to donate a pound to support the campaign.

CEO Emma Clarke said: “This ground-breaking technology will help our incredible specialists to see cancer with more clarity and treat it with more precision.”

The weekend’s campaign was a part of the charity’s wider ‘see it. treat it’ appeal started in April last year as the charity’s ‘year-long’ initiative.

The association with Sheffield United FC has been highlighted by Head of Operation at the club Dave McCarthy and Francesca Wilder – Wife of Blades manager Chris Wilder – who are Appeal Board members.

McCarthy said the benefits of having the simulator – which enables in depth scans of heads and necks- at Weston Park ‘cannot be underestimated’ while Wilder labelled the technology ‘truly transformative’.

The fundraiser has already seen backing from international Health company Westfield Health who have matched donations up to £500,000. 

Dave Capper, CEO at Westfield Health said: “Our £500,000 matched giving pledge – the largest in our history – is about more than funding. It’s about accelerating progress, saving lives, and backing bold local ambitions to make South Yorkshire healthier.”

In January, the charity announced it had reached the £1.4 million mark expressing their gratitude to everyone who has contributed so far.

Dr Kash Purohit, ‘see it. treat it.’ Appeal Board Chair said: “The scanner will allow oncologists to greatly enhance the accuracy of radiotherapy. Not only will this transform the treatment experience for patients, but it should improve outcomes across the board.”

The new scanner should allow Doctors greater accuracy when targeting cancerous tissues reducing the long term impacts of cancer treatment.

Weston Park Cancer Charity was opened in 1970 and since then has been at the heart of Cancer research and treatment in Sheffield and nationwide. 

It is possible to donate yourself via the charity’s website https://www.westonpark.org.uk/ . Alternatively, text CANCERAPPEAL followed by your donation amount to 70580.