A cancer patient at the Royal Free London (RFL) is organising a fund-raising event as a thank you for the care he has received in the past two years.

Steve Couldridge, who runs a balloon company in Mill Hill, is holding the event at The Haven restaurant in Whetstone next month. The evening will feature a cabaret band and a number of raffles and games to raise money for the Royal Free Charity. All funds from the event will go towards research into new treatments for skin and lung cancer, and for the training of oncology staff.

Steve, 67, from Borehamwood, was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013. He is now on the road to recovery after receiving treatment at all three of the RFL’s hospitals – Barnet, Chase Farm and the Royal Free - demonstrating how staff throughout the trust have been working together to provide the best care for our patients.  

In April 2013 he developed what looked like bruising under his arm and his GP referred him to Barnet Hospital and then Chase Farm, where it was discovered that the bruising was, in fact, skin cancer, which had spread to his lymph nodes.

Steve was referred to the Royal Free where surgeon Barbara Jemec operated on him in June 2013. He continues to come to the Royal Free for appointments and is receiving medication to shrink his tumours.

“The event is a way to say thanks to the plastic surgeons and oncologists who give so much to so many,” he said.

“The treatment and attention I have received has without doubt been on par with private medical care, and my ambition is to put a little something back into the trust, particularly into research for new cancer treatments.”

His charity event will be held on 20 September. Although the tickets are sold out, if you would like to make a contribution to the fund, email Steve on itsallblow@hotmail.co.uk.

Image: Steve Couldridge

ENDS

Notes to editors

Media contacts: mary.mcconnell2@nhs.net or call 020 7472 6665

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.