FORT stands for Friends Of Oncology and Radiotherapy & they have, over the years, raised approximately 2 million pounds for pieces of equipment to treat cancer, & in one case the refurbishment of a local cancer ward.
This year, the appeal is for a Papillon 50 machine. This treats early rectal cancer, but it also allows the patient to live without a colostomy bag. Using the Papillon 50 allows the patient to keep their internal organs & escape surgery & the need for the life changing colostomy.
FORT is based at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, & it is here that the Papillon machine will be installed. The cost of the machine is £130,000. There is one in the UK, but based in Liverpool. If FORT can raise the funds, patients in the south of the UK need not incur the cost & additional stress of travelling to the North of the country to be treated for rectal cancer. The treatment will be available much closer to home.