The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity launch major fundraising drive
Posted 29th May 2018
The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity have launched an exciting fundraising campaign to build a model of the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre using more than half a million LEGO® bricks.
The ambitious project will see members of the public being asked to buy a LEGO brick for a £1 donation, culminating in a 1.6m x 2.8m x 1.6m high replica of the specialist hospital that is currently under construction in Liverpool city centre.
Experts from Bright Bricks, home to Duncan Titmarsh, the UK’s only LEGO Certified Professional, will oversee the project and train an army of local enthusiasts to work on the structure.
Olympic Gold Medal winner and TV presenter Sam Quek joined Clatterbridge patients Reece Holt, 12, and Taylor Seddon, eight, to lay the first bricks of the model at the hospital’s current home in Wirral.
Sam, pictured above centre, who was presented with her own replica LEGO brick figure complete with hockey stick, said: “This is a brilliant fundraising idea and a great way to get people involved in the fundraising campaign.
“Everyone will really enjoy seeing the model take shape.
“The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is a brilliant facility that helps so many people from this area. I am sure everyone will want to get involved and buy a brick. ”
Reece, from Morecambe in Lancashire, was treated at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre after surgery for a brain tumour. He helped staff design a LEGO brick replica of a radiotherapy machine to aid other children at the hospital in understanding their treatment.
Reece’s mum Rachel said: “LEGO bricks played a big part in Reece’s treatment and his recovery from surgery, particularly his co-ordination and motor skills. We are thrilled to be here today to lay the first LEGO bricks and be part of this.
“The new hospital will be a fantastic facility and will help patients like Reece and their families. This is a great way to raise money towards the appeal to build it.”
Taylor, from Burscough in Lancashire, was treated with radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Taylor’s dad Jeff Seddon said: “Taylor is a big LEGO [bricks] fan and we know it helps children who are starting radiotherapy understand what is happening, so it is great that the charity are using it in this way to raise money for the new hospital.
“You never know when you will need Clatterbridge. We didn’t think we would. The staff were fantastic with Taylor and we would urge everyone to get behind this campaign, buy a brick and help build a new hospital for local people with cancer.”
Katrina Bury, Head of The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted to be working with Bright Bricks on this exciting project, one of the biggest LEGO brick structures in the UK.
“Building a LEGO brick replica of our new cancer hospital in Liverpool is an ambitious project but we are sure our dedicated supporters and the people of the region will support us with enthusiasm and generosity.
“We can’t wait to get started and see the model take shape and we would love to beat the builders and complete our LEGO brick hospital before the real thing is finished in 2020. So please buy a brick today and help us transform cancer care.”
The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is working to raise £15 million towards the construction of the new specialist cancer hospital in Liverpool city centre and improvements to the Wirral site.
If you would like to buy a LEGO Brick for £1 and help transform cancer care please go to www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/clatterbridge... or see https://ccc-old.franktesting.co.uk/charity/home
