Fundraising ball for lung cancer service at St. James's Hospital

Ms Mella Buckley and Dr Sarah Early

The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. James’s Hospital held a fundraising ball at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, April 9th. 150 guests attended the ball that was focused on raising funds for the hospital’s lung cancer service. Guests included consultants and staff of St. James’s Hospital, their colleagues from other hospitals around Ireland, as well as friends and families of staff and patients of St. James’s.  

Surgery provides the most effective treatment for patients with lung cancer and Mr Vincent Young, consultant surgeon and the clinical lead in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. James’s Hospital, spoke on behalf of his department and said they were deeply grateful to all those who had supported the ball. He said that all of the funds raised would be invested in equipment and supplies that would be focused on improving the standard and speed of patient care and treatment.

The ball was arranged by Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Ms Mella Buckley, and Specialist Registrar, Dr Sarah Early, in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. (Dr Early had previously fundraised over €10,000 for the hospital through sponsorship for a swim of The English Channel last August.) Dr Early is delighted that all went well and that people enjoyed the ball: “Once the dancing started – the dance floor was full for the rest of the night – and everyone had so much fun.” She was also deeply grateful to all of those who had helped and in particular to those who had given their services at no cost; these included Suzanne Kane from FM104, who was MC for the evening, danceband The Iona Knights, and Senator David Norris who made the after-dinner address.

St. James’s Hospital sees about 25% of Ireland’s lung cancer patients for diagnosis or treatment, and carries out almost half of all surgical resections (the principal form of treatment for lung cancer) each year. Lung cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer in Ireland, but the single most common cause of cancer death; over 90% of cases are linked with smoking.

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St. James’s Hospital Foundation
St. James’s Hospital
James’s Street
Dublin 8

Telephone 01 428 4086
Email foundation@stjames.ie