The Provincial Grand Master presents a cheque for £28,795 to The Christies Charitable Fund – Bloods Closer to Home On the 12th May 2022, the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro John Smith, accompanied by his wife Jane, also the Provincial Grand Almoner WBro Barry Heal and WBro Stewart Mills attended the premises of The Christie Charitable Fund in Manchester. The purpose of the visit was to officially present a cheque for £28,795, generously funded by the Mark Benevolent Fund, for the set up costs of the “Bloods Closer to Home” project. We were met by Hazel Rushton, Trust and Foundations Manager and Marie Toller, Head of Major Relationships and taken to a meeting room where refreshments were served. We then had a very happy discussion in which the Provincial Grand Master outlined the background of the Mark Benevolent Fund and some of the recent grants that have been made. In return, Marie gave us a fascinating insight in new projects at the Hospital, including medical research into many forms of Cancer and particularly how important the “Bloods Closer to Home” project is. Patients at The Christie require a routine blood test before having Systemic Anti Cancer Therapies on consecutive days. This means they have to visit The Christie twice during the week of treatment. The Christie has been testing the potential for the development of a local blood testing service to enable patients to have routine blood tests closer to where they live. Following a successful pilot, Christie now wants to expand on this and create permanent local Christie blood testing clinics around Greater Manchester to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to The Christie in Withington for blood tests. Feedback from patients is that they would much prefer to receive all their treatment closer to home where this is clinically possible. The Christie Charity supports the development of cancer prevention, treatment, research and education through investment in staff, equipment, facilities and other support services that are over and above what the NHS funds. The Mark Benevolent Fund grant is in support of the new equipment required to facilitate the new clinics which will enable cancer patients to receive their routine blood tests closer to where they live. Local blood testing is the next step to providing more personalised and convenient cancer treatment and could boost recruitment to clinical trials, providing more treatment options for patients. Helen Rushton said, “on behalf of Christie staff and patients, I should like to take this opportunity to thank the Mark Benevolent Fund for this kind gift and for your support.” On presenting the cheque John Smith said how delighted the Mark Benevolent Fund was to be able to help The Christie and importantly, so many people who will benefit from the new facilities. It really is an example of ‘making a difference. [Main photo image left to right, Barry Heal, John Smith, Hazel Rushton, Jane Smith and Marie Toller] Barry R Heal PDepGSwdB Provincial Grand Almoner 12th May 2022