Cure Leukaemia commits to funding a specialist research nurse at Worcestershire Royal…

To mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Cure Leukaemia has announced it will fund a specialist research nurse at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in full for a minimum of two years, strengthening life-saving clinical trial access for blood cancer patients across the region.

Cure Leukaemia have previously part-funded the role for several years, but now thanks to the combined efforts of the Worcester team including local businesses Westbridge Foods and Adam Hewitt Ltd , we are delighted to announce that we are able to commit to full time funding for the next two years at a minimum, with Christine Bossa in post.

Dr Salim Shafeek, Consultant Haematologist at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“Having a full time dedicated research nurse funded by Cure Leukaemia will transform the care we can offer patients across Worcestershire and beyond. It means we can open more clinical trials here in Worcester, giving blood cancer patients access to the very latest treatments without the need to travel long distances. This support will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of patients and their families.”

Christine added: “We strongly believe in offering every patient the opportunity to participate in research regardless of where they live, their socioeconomic status, gender, religion or non and in so doing reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes. We consider it a privilege to serve our patients and our community and appreciate the efforts of Cure Leukaemia and its supporters for their generous contributions and continued support.”

For patients, this investment represents more than just research—it provides hope.

Adam Claxton, who has twice battled blood cancer and is now in remission, commented:
“When you’re going through treatment, knowing that there are options and trials available can make all the difference. For patients like me, this clinical nurse means we’ll have someone dedicated to ensuring we don’t miss out on potentially life-saving opportunities. It’s reassuring to know that more people in Worcester will now have access to trials that could change their futures.”

The announcement coincides with the start of Run The Nations, Cure Leukaemia’s latest fundraising initiative. The campaign will see the charity’s Chief Executive, James McLaughlin, run 270 miles to every centre across the UK where Cure Leukaemia funds specialist nurses—beginning today in Worcester. Dr Shafeek and the Worcester Haematology team will join by running and walking to support the cause, with the nationwide effort aiming to raise £150,000.

James McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Cure Leukaemia, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be committing to this funding in Worcester. Our network of Cure Leukaemia Research Nurses is at the heart of what we do, and expanding that network means more patients can access pioneering treatments right here in the UK.

Today also marks the start of Run The Nations, my biggest and final run to hopefully raise £150,000 which will, in turn help us increase the number of Research Nurses across the country. Starting in Worcester feels especially fitting as we celebrate this new role and the difference it will make to local patients.”

Pictured: Dr Salim Shafeek, Bethany Jefferson-Loveday (patient), Ann Reveley (patient), Gaynor Pemberton (Lead Research Nurse), Anna Walker (Head of Research Operations), Alice Langard (Clinical Trials Assistant), Alex Burford (Clinical Trials Assistant), Christine Bossa (Research Nurse)