Paralympic gold medallist opens Surrey Cancer Centre

The Royal Surrey Cancer Centre was reopened by two-time Paralympic gold medallist Erin Kennedy on Tuesday following a £6m refurbishment.

Kennedy, appointed OBE last year for rowing and breast cancer awareness, was treated at the centre after being diagnosed in May 2022, aged 29, with triple negative breast cancer.

She told staff: "You are all working together to provide an amazing service for the many thousands of people that will come through your doors at a time when their world has stood still."

Sophie Otter, chief of service for oncology, said: "This project has seen us double the clinical space available, which will ultimately enable us to save more lives as early diagnosis and treatment options continue to grow."

As well as increased clinical space, the refurbishments include a space for carrying out blood tests, a dedicated information hub and a sensitive conversation suite.

Kennedy underwent 15 rounds of chemotherapy and a double mastectomy before she was given the all-clear in March 2023.

"The new facilities have been designed around patient needs and provide a welcoming environment that is expertly equipped to support individuals and their loved ones," she said.

"The incredible care at Royal Surrey was second to none, their approach enabled me to continue competing whilst on chemotherapy and the team truly understood me as a person, not just a patient."

During the opening, Kennedy presented the centre with her framed Team GB Lycra.

"It wasn't just my rowing team that came with me on this journey but my team at the Royal Surrey who became a part of my integral, everyday, part of my team," she added.

Louise Stead, group chief executive of Ashford and St Peter's and Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trusts, said the opening was "the culmination of many years of planning and hard work in partnership with our patients".

The cancer centre, previously known as St Luke's, was opened in Guildford by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.

According to the centre, three million people now receive care at the hospital each year.

The NHS said one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.

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