Comedian Bill Bailey entertained guests at an event to launch a £1 million appeal to build a specialist teenager cancer unit in the South
West. He performed a short routine at Walton Castle in Clevedon to raise awareness about the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust, before encouraging people to pledge donations to the cause. Guest were invited to the castle on behalf of the trust and owner socialite Margarita Hamilton, who has organised and hosted numerous charity events. The charity sets up dedicated units for 16- to 24-year-olds battling cancer, to bridge the gap between adult and children’s wards, and offers support to youngsters and their families. Mr Bailey, who grew up in Bristol, and returns as often as he can to see his father who still lives in the city, has supported the trust for nearly 10 years and appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in one of their gigs. The Never Mind the Buzzcocks star, said: A Teenage Cancer Trust unit is needed in the South West – the work they do is brilliant. “It is an area for cancer sufferers that is not really catered for and there is a gap in care in that area at the moment.”
The TCT is working with the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the South West Commissioning Group to begin the process of providing new services for teenagers and young adults in the South West.