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Homepage | News | Community fundraisers raise £4,000 for breast screening department at Russells Hall Hospital

Community fundraisers raise £4,000 for breast screening department at Russells Hall Hospital

Community fundraisers raise £4,000 for breast screening department at Russells Hall Hospital

Local fundraisers Brian Dakin and Tim Thursfield from Busking for Charity have raised an incredible £4,000 in support of the Breast Screening Department at Russells Hall Hospital, helping the team enhance both patient comfort and staff working conditions.

Thanks to their generous fundraising efforts, the breast screening department has been able to purchase a VELA Mammogram Chair. The specialist chair provides a safe and sturdy seat for patients as soon as they arrive at the clinic, which is particularly important for those with walking difficulties or balance issues.

The chair also supports clinical staff by enabling patients to be positioned at a lower height, helping to avoid strenuous working postures during mammography procedures. Its mobility and reliable wheel-lock system also allow for easier and safer patient positioning during examinations.

Brian and Tim—affectionately known as the “Busketeers”—raised the funds through a range of community activities. These included organising charity sports events, busking in towns across the region, and hosting creative arts shows at venues throughout the Black Country.

Speaking about their fundraising efforts, Brian said:
“We can't change the world but you the public' can change someone's life. If one person comes to the breast screening unit and uses the chair and it helps their experience, then job done. From personal experience with my late wife, I know the amazing work these units do, and it is our Busking for Charity’s honour to work with the staff and the Trust every year.”

Jo Essex, breast screening programme manager, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Busking for Charity for their fantastic fundraising efforts. Their generous support has enabled us to purchase this new chair, which will greatly improve comfort and accessibility for patients attending breast screening appointments, while also helping our staff deliver care in a safer and more supportive working environment.”

If you would like to know more about the charity and fundraising opportunities, please contact dgft.fundraising@nhs.net.